Game of Thrones 'banned' by the Turkish Army

Screening the hit HBO series in military schools has reportedly been prohibited

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen (HBO)

It makes headlines for it nudity and violence as much as for its complex storyline – and now Game of Thrones has reportedly been banned by the Turkish Army (TSK).

The hit HBO fantasy series has been deemed unsuitable for young soldiers, according to the Hurriyet Daily News.

In a bid to “protect” its students the TSK is said to have updated the set of regulations used in its military schools.

It has reportedly banned certain programmes, including most notably Game of Thrones, in order to safeguard young people against “sexual exploitation, pornography, exhibitionism, abuse, harassment and all negative behaviours.”

At the same time, the army has introduced Islamic classes, which will centre on “basic religious education, the Koran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad”.

It is not the first time Game of Thrones has made waves in the TSK. In 2012 the Hurriyet Daily News reported that four teachers at the Izmir Maltepe Military High School were discharged from the army after they showed the programme to their students as a way of helping them to improve their English.

Back here in the UK, the TV adaptation of George RR Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire series created particular controversy in the recently aired series four, after a rape scene was shown. Series five is set to feature a naked walk of shame.