Venezuela: Importation of violent video games can land you in prison

In Venezuela, it’s not enough to have violent video games banned from their stores. Nor is it enough to make it illegal to import these said games. No, Hugo Chavez always goes the extra mile, and he’s making sure his people will do as he bids. Or else they’ll go to prison for up to 3-5 years.

In Venezuela, it’s not enough to have violent video games banned from their stores. Nor is it enough to make it illegal to import these said games. No, Hugo Chavez always goes the extra mile, and he’s making sure his people will do as he bids. Or else they’ll go to prison for up to 3-5 years.

The law known as the Prohibition of Violent Video Games and Toys was passed back in November of 2009, but was only ratified and took effect last Wednesday.

Here are the Articles that you will definitely want to know if you’re a gamer in Venezuela:

1. Violent video games: Video games or programs that can be use on personal computers, arcade systems, video game consoles, portable devices or mobile telephones, or any other electronic or telephonic device, that contain information or images that promote or incite violence and the use of weapons.

2. Violent toys: Objects or instruments that in form mimic any kind of weapon used by the National Bolivarian Armed Forces, weapons of war used by any other nation, citizen or state security forces, as well as those that, though not promoting war, establish the kind of game that stimulates aggressiveness or violence.

Article 13. Those who in any way promote the purchase or use of violent toys or video games as defined by this law will be punished with a fine of between 2,000 and 4,000 tax units.

Article 14. Those who import, manufacture, sell, rent, or distribute violent toys or video games will be punished with 3 to 5 years in prison.

You should know Hugo Chavez – this guy doesn’t play around.

Via [GameThirst]