Iran's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" has been banned from airing after leading clerics issued a fatwa against the game show.
Supreme leader Ali Khamenei warned that such game shows endangered Iran's 'culture of hard work and productivity.'
For his part, cleric Naser Makarem Shirazi issued a fatwa this week against these shows, saying they are a "form of gambling", which is forbidden under Islamic law.
The show, presented by actor Mohammad Reza Golzar, offers the contestants a chance to win up to about $25,000.
The Islamic Republic News Agency also criticized the show, describing it as "a halal casino", adding that authorities were investigating the eligibility of such shows.
Another similar program "Five Stars" has announced through its Instagram page that it won't air its episode this week, without providing further details.
{"preview_thumbnail":"https://cdn.flowplayer.com/6684a05f-6468-4ecd-87d5-a748773282a3/i/v-i-f…","video_id":"f629f000-de62-4137-84cf-25354e3d0422","player_id":"8ca46225-42a2-4245-9c20-7850ae937431","provider":"flowplayer","video":"1.2 Million Iraqis Displaced in The Country"}
This article has been adapted from its original source.
