Toro
Diamond Member
Iran calls for ban on Barbie doll
Barbie doll (file picture)
Iran is the world's third largest importer of toys, such as Barbie dolls
Iran's top prosecutor has called for restrictions in the import of Western toys, saying they have a destructive effect on the country's youth.
The Prosecutor General, Ghorban Ali Dori Najafabadi, said that toys such as Barbie, Batman, and Harry Potter would have negative social consequences.
Mr Najafabadi wants measures taken to protect what he called Iran's Islamic culture and revolutionary values.
Correspondents say Western culture is becoming increasingly popular in Iran.
Mr Najafabadi's comments were made in a letter addressed to Iranian Vice President Parviz Davoudi, and quoted in several Iranian newspapers.
"The displays of personalities such as Barbie, Batman, Spiderman and Harry Potter... as well as the irregular importation of unsanctioned computer games and movies are all warning bells to officials in the cultural arena," he wrote, according to a copy of the letter seen by Associated Press.
"The irregular importation of such toys, which unfortunately arrive through unofficial sources and smuggling, is destructive culturally and a social danger," he said.
...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7371771.stm