Russia will soon launch a Muslim television channel in what it says is the hope it will foster tolerance.

Russian reports say the satellite channel will go on the air in February or March across Russia, home to some 20 million Muslims.

Analysts say Russia has witnessed a rise in neo-nationalist movements.

In December, Moscow saw the worst nationalist riots in its post-Soviet history, with police unable to stop some 7,000 youths who gathered near the Kremlin from beating people of non-Slavic appearance.