Iraq bans liquor following Islamic doctrine; Christians protest

BAGHDAD: The newly announced ban on liquor in Iraq has created a political upheaval with various political parties hitting the streets in protest. The country recently banned the production, selling, and importing of liquor. The Christian communities in Iraq are protesting against the unilateral decision.

Iraq already had rules that banned public drinking. The current implementation is through a bill that was already in place in 2016. The Christian minority which mostly runs the beverage outlets has gone berserk with the rule that will push their livelihood to the edge.

Those who are breaching the new rules will have to pay a hefty fine of Rs 7000 dollar. The fine can also go up to Rs 19000 dollars. The Muslim majority in Iraq has forever wanted a ban on liquor and was beseeching the government to do so. The current move has now bruised the Christian sections who had a monopoly over the booze business. The government looks firm in its stance while the protests are getting widespread recognition.