KABUL, March 19 (RIA Novosti) - Afghan police are carrying out a large-scale campaign to close down unlicensed billiard halls allegedly being used as brothels and by criminals.
The campaign has been launched prior to the Nowrooz national holiday, which marks the beginning of the New Year in Afghanistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Central Asia, Pakistan, parts of India and among ethnic Kurds.
A total of 54 out of Afghanistan's 172 pool halls have been closed down in the last three weeks, said Ali Shah Paktiawal, the head of the criminal branch at the Kabul police department.
Over 420 men and women have been arrested, Paktiawal said, adding that 10 people were accused of robbery and 23 females were suspected of prostitution. More than 100 pornographic films have been seized in five districts of the Afghan capital, the official added.
