Game Over: Tajikistan bans Grand Theft Auto and Counter Strike

Tajikistani authorities have prohibited playing the popular game series Grand Theft Auto (GTA) and Counter Strike, citing their negative impact on teenagers «persuading them to commit crimes,» the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) reported. Tajikistan became the first country in Central Asia to ban these popular video games.

«We inform citizens, especially those running video game clubs, that it is strictly forbidden to spread videos and games containing immoral and violent nature in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan,» the MIA said in a statement.

The agency noted that GTA and Counter Strike contain scenes of violence, murder and robbery, citing a special study conducted by the Ministry of Culture. Moreover, according to the analysis carried out by Tajikistan’s law enforcement agencies, «some young people and teenagers playing such games on a regular basis experience their negative influence, making them commit various crimes.» 

In this regard, the police department of Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan, has instructed the owners of game clubs and stores to stop distributing these games. The agency also added that parents must control their children and not allow them to engage in violent entertainment. The MIA also warned about upcoming checks and surprise inspections. Tajikistan is the first Central Asian state to adopt this resolution.