Saudi Arabia: Religious leaders attack Playstation video games

Riyadh, 25 April (AKI) - Saudi religious leaders have attacked a popular video game, used mainly by children. According to the Arab TV network al-Arabiya, Saudi Arabia's minister of Islamic affairs has sent a newsletter to all imams in the country, warning about the 'dangers' that could result from using the popular Playstation video game.

"They are dangerous games, because they teach the wrong thing to children," read the newsletter. "They have a negative influence on the personality of children, and thus from an Islamic point of view, it is not acceptable to waste time in this manner."

Imams will have to ask parents to be more attentive with regard to their children's education and urged them to supervise them, so they do not become "victims" of these games. "These games cause mental problems in children," said Badel Muhsin ibn Uthman Bin Baz, a professor from the Imam Saud university, according to Saudi daily al-Riyadh.