Kuwait closes 3D-printed figurine shop for selling 'cult idols'

Kuwaiti authorities have ordered the closure of a shop selling 3D-printed figurines for allegedly trading in "cult idols", local media reported.

The closure came after a hardline cleric demanded authorities take action against it, Qabas newspaper reported on Sunday.

"After a fierce campaign against so-called idols in Kuwait, a figurine shop has been strangely closed and all its models have disappeared," the report said.

The report did not name the shuttered store but according to social media users it was the Kuwait City branch of tech company DOOB 3D.

The New Arab has contacted the company for comment.

The move comes after popular cleric Sheikh Othman al-Khamis called for the immediate closure of the store, which specialises in creating lifelike replicas of people using 3D scanning booths and printers.

"What this shop does is an abomination and more dangerous than selling alcohol because it could lead to some people making idols of their children," Sheikh Othman said during a recent sermon.

Islamic law prohibits the worship of statues and idols.

Kuwaiti social media users have discussed the issue using the Arabic-language hashtag #IdolsInKuwait, with many ridiculing authorities for the decision to close the shop.