A decree by the leader of a small Muslim region in Russia allowing men to have up to four wives has been dismissed as unconstitutional by the justice minister.

The regional leader of Ingushetia, Ruslan Aushev, signed the decree this week, based on a traditional Islamic practice permitting men to have four wives. President Aushev, who has one wife, called for Russia's parliament to approve changes to Russian federal law to allow the move. A decree by the leader of a small Muslim region in Russia allowing men to have up to four wives has been dismissed as unconstitutional by the justice minister. The president's press secretary said many men already had two or three wives - but only the first one was registered under Russian law, which meant children were not protected and the other wives had no rights. But Russian Justice Minister Pavel Krasheninnikov said on Wednesday the measure was unconstitutional and should be scrapped. Earlier this year, Mr Aushev tried to hold a referendum which would have legalised traditional Ingush customs, like the carrying of daggers and a ritual stealing of brides. He backed down under heavy pressure from Moscow. Correspondents say this is not just a dispute about folklore. Mr Aushev wants to steer his tiny republic on a middle course between outright secession, like the Chechens and complete loyalty to Moscow.