Lebanon bans #AnnabelleCreation over 'religiously offensive content'

The film, which centres on a haunted doll, was awaiting a screening license from the General Security's censorship committee ahead of an expected release on Thursday.

The committee screened the film for an audience, which included religious figures such as head of the Christian media committee Father Abdu Abu Kasm as well as Father Athanasius Shahwan.

Both found the movie contains scenes deemed offensive to the Christian faith and advised against general viewing.

It was unclear which scenes they were referring to, but some believe the objection may stem from the fact that nuns were victimised in the film.

The Warner Bros film has since been banned from screening in cinemas across Lebanon.

Annabelle: Creation is a prequel to the 2014 horror flick Annabelle and the fourth instalment in The Conjuring series.

Many took to social media to vent their frustration over censorship of arts.

According to the constitution, multi-religious Lebanon can impose censorship on local and international productions.

The law, which dates back to 1947, stipulates that imposed restrictions should consider maintaining public order, respecting national sentiment and avoiding content deemed offensive to religions and sects.

Productions with overt religious references may also be passed on for approval from religious institutions, including Dar al Fatwa, the Catholic Media Centre and the Druze Dar al Tayfa.

Showing films without valid screening permits may land offenders with a prison sentence of up to three years and see theatres shut down.