Dolls, toys get the chop
2003-12-17 21:59
Riyadh - Saudi Arabia has banned the importation of female dolls and teddy bears, giving merchants three months to dispose of such stock, a state-guided newspaper reported on Wednesday.
Interior Minister Prince Nayef ordered the ban which was relayed around the country by the national Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Al-Riyadh said.
The daily gave no reason for the ban, which could not be confirmed with government officials on Wednesday.
The ban singled out stuffed-animal toys and dolls of brides. It made no mention of male dolls and it was not clear if these were banned as well.
The order also prohibited the importation of crucifixes and models of Buddha, the newspaper said.
The ban comes at a time when Saudi Arabia appears to be taking steps toward moderation and limited reform.
The kingdom came under heavy criticism after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States as 15 of the 19 hijackers involved were Saudis.
Critics charged that the country's conservative interpretation of Islam had helped produce militants.
The government subsequently gave directives to mosque preachers, amended religious textbooks and promised local elections - a first for a country that has no parliament.
- AP