Turkey bans 'Pokemon' cartoon after accidents

ANKARA, Turkey (Reuters) -- Turkey's broadcasting watchdog said on Friday it had ordered a TV channel to stop airing the popular cartoon series "Pokemon" after two children leapt from balconies believing they had superhuman powers.

The Radio and Television High Council also penalized the private television station ATV with a one-day blackout in response to a complaint by the Health Ministry, a council spokesman said.

A seven-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy were injured in falls from high rise buildings in separate incidents last month. Health Minister Osman Durmus linked their accidents to the Japanese series based on the adventures of some 150 monsters.

Zuhtu Sezer, ATV's program director, said Turkey would be the first nation to ban the programme, shown in 60 countries.

"How far will this go? Will they ban sales of Pokemon toys?" Sezer asked. "I think this is a very unfortunate case as Turkey tries to take its place in the European Union.

"Where is the freedom of expression?"

ATV said it would continue showing the series pending an appeal.

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