Tourists heard discussing plot of The Dark Knight Rises to face punishment

QATAR: Visitors to the region are been issued with strict warnings upon arrival and across various popular destinations to not discuss the plot of The Dark Knight Rises.

The move comes following the confirmation that the hotly-anticipated third installment in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy will be released across the GCC, Lebanon and Jordan after Ramadan, a month after its international launch.

“The last thing we want is some blabbermouth from Europe coming over here and ruining it for everybody,” said Bassam Al-Robynn, head of the Qatar-based Office for Spoiler Prevention. “Giving away the plot of a potentially lucrative film is contrary to the laws of commerce, and we’re calling on every man, woman and child to remain vigilant.”

Al-Robynn added that authorities were prepared to issue “severe punishment, up to and including detention and deportation”, to anyone overheard discussing the film, “especially for those who are caught revealing the ending”.

Since the release date was announced, there have been requests from various organisations and community leaders to update regional cultural sensitivities. ‘Don’t Talk About The Dark Knight Rises’ is soon expected to be added alongside tourist advice regarding the wearing of respectful clothing and public displays of affection.

Reports emerged this morning of a plane bound for Beirut that was diverted when a 12-year-old passenger started telling his parents parts of the plot that he’d read on a film blog.