A reality TV show likened to the Hunger Games books has caused controversy because organisers say they will not intervene to stop rape and murder.
In the Russian programme, Game2: Winter, 30 contestants will have to survive nine months in temperatures of -50 degrees Celsius on a remote Siberian island in the Tomsk region.
They will take part in quests, such as fighting bears and wolves, to win £1.38 million.
Millionaire organiser Yevgeny Pyatkovsky, 35, has said he will not intervene if there is violence, rape or murder, but has stressed that participants will still be subject to Russian law.
The team behind the show removed a “rule” after a public outcry which stated: “Everything is allowed. Fighting, alcohol, murder, rape, smoking, anything.” The show, beginning in July, will be filmed on 2 000 fixed cameras and broadcast online 24/7, in various languages including English.
It has been compared to the dystopian Hunger Games trilogy in which children are selected to compete to the death.
Daily Mail