The Vice and Virtue Directorate in Herat province has closed internet and gaming cafes in the province, officials said, adding that the decision was made after residents’ complaints.

“People had complained about internet clubs and gaming shops that these places damaged their children’s mindset,” said Aziz Rahman Muhajir, head of Herat’s Vice and Virtue Department.

Owners of some internet and gaming cafes said their work was legal and that with the closure of their shops, they would lose their businesses and incomes.

“They asked us to close these shops but didn’t tell us the reason for the closure of our shops,” said Humayun, owner of an internet café.

“The municipality gave us a permit to do this work. They have not given details about the reasons for the closure of the cafes,” said Abdul Hadi, owner of an internet and gaming café.

Meanwhile, some students said that after the closure of the internet and gaming shops, they faced hurdles in collecting information for their assignments at school and university.

“Unfortunately, after the closure of these cafes we faced problems regarding access to information for our assignments,” said Murtaza Hussaini, a student.

“Some students who are graduated or the study master’s degree need information for making assignments,” said Mohammad Maiwand, a student.

Owners of internet and gaming cafes in Herat said they are worried about losing their businesses if their shops are not reopened.