The Saudi Arabian government has officially banned the opening of public cinemas in the kingdom following protests over the government considering the issuance of licenses for movie theaters across the country.
Saudi Interior Minister Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz reportedly made the decision following pressure from Saudi Mufti Sheikh Abd Al-Aziz Al-Sheikh to make the public screening of films illegal.
The news comes after extensive debate within Saudi society over the propriety of films.
The government has indicated a willingness to consider the opening of public movie theaters. This has been resisted by those who subscribe to the strict Wahhabist interpretation of Islam and believe films have the potential to debase the Islamic fabric of Saudi society. Wahhabism dominates the kingdom's religious establishment.
"The problem is not the government," Hussam Abu Sabra, CEO of Donya Film Productions, told The Media Line. "The government is trying to do something. The problem is some people in the government who they think it will degrade Islam and bring in bad ideas so they outright refuse it without negotiation."
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