„Iraq‘s parliament has voted to ban the sale, import and production of alcohol in a surprise move. Proponents of the ban argue the ban is justified by the constitution, which prohibits any law contradicting Islam. Opponents say it violates the same constitution which guarantees the traditions of religious minorities such as Christians and have vowed to appeal against the decision. Those violating the law will be fined between 10 million and 25 million dinars (roughly £7,000 to £17,500).
According to an MP and a parliament official, the ban was a last-minute addition to a draft law on municipalities. The law was also passed by MPs in Baghdad as all eyes were on the north of the country, where forces involved in Iraq’s biggest military operation in years are battling Isis and moving to retake the city of Mosul.“
(Samuel Osborne: „Iraq parliament bans alcohol in surprise vote“)
