A Moscow court has resolved a long-running dispute over the broadcasting of American cartoon series 'The Simpsons' in favour of Homer and his brood. Russian MPs concerned about the effects of 'violent,' 'aggressive' and 'corrupting' TV programmes cited The Simpsons as promoting violence and domestic chaos and voted by a large majority to warn TV stations to cut down on such broadcasts.

MP Yelena Afanasyeva said: The Simpsons 'were crammed with violent and aggressive episodes. These cartoons also introduce antagonism between children and parents.'

TV viewer Igor Smykov went further. Three years ago he filed a suit against independent Moscow-based RenTV claiming that broadcasting the show was promoting drugs, violence and homosexuality. Smykov claimed $10,000 moral damages for the 'unwholesome' effect the show had on his son and demanded it either be taken off the air or moved to a later timeslot to protect young audiences from its degenerating influence.

The district court rejected his suit but a higher court overturned the decision on a technicality, sending the case to the Moscow City Court.

This week that court ruled against Mr Smykov and in favour of the TV station, ensuring The Simpsons will remain on air in Russia for the foreseeable future though it remains open for the Duma (the Russian parliament) to legislate at a future date.

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