Saudi Arabia bans Pablo Escobar Narcos t-shirt under 'public decency law'

Saudi Arabia has banned the import of any clothing printed with the image or name of a famous Colombian drug lord,  under its public decency law, Saudi media reported Monday.

Saudi authorities moved to withdraw t-shirts portraying Pablo Escobar and his Medellín Cartel from shops after they were found to be circulating Saudi markets.

Saudi Arabia's cabinet approved a new public deceny law in April, though it remains unclear when it will be enforced. 

The law seeks to uphold Saudi "values and principles", banning in public clothing deemed to "offend public tastes" - including men's shorts - and graffiti that could be interpreted as "harmful", according to local media.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has sought to shake off his country's ultra-conservative image with the reopening of cinemas, mixed-gender concerts and party-fuelled sporting extravaganzas, while vowing to take the kingdom towards moderate Islam.

But Pablo Escobar clothing appears to be a step too far in the Crown Prince's "liberalising reforms".

Prince Mohammed has also been widely criticised for the detention of activists and clerics, along with the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, whose killing US and Turkish intelligence reportedly believe was ordered by the de-facto ruler.

Agencies contributed to this report.