Following the collapse of the USSR, many charlatans and faith healers became increasingly prominent in Russia, making notable use of public television for mass healing. The apparent successes raised doubts as to the extent to which the Russian electorate was being manipulated in 1993. It was claimed that hypnosis, mysticism and medical technology had been used for political aims on a massive scale for the first time in history. Established religions claimed that such audiences were obsessed by demonic forces. In 1993 television healing shows were consequently banned in Russia.