ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Erbil police announced on Monday the arrest of six men for drinking alcohol in a public place during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Police said in a statement on its Facebook page that the six men were arrested for “drinking alcoholic substances at Avin Park in Havalan neighbourhood during the holy month of Ramadan.”
Their vehicle was confiscated and the men were prepared to be referred to the court, it added.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (Hijri), during which followers of the religion abstain from eating and drinking starting from dawn to dusk. Erbil authorities introduced a number of decrees and guidelines on April 1 to “respect” the holy month and prohibit activities that might be interpreted as inconsiderate or offensive to those fasting.
According to the decree, signed by governor Omed Khoshnaw, eating and drinking in public places shall be banned, and public intuitions must restrain from presenting foods and beverages. It adds that “selling and serving alcoholic substances is totally prohibited.”
Kurdistan Region’s provinces issue similar guidelines each year when Ramadan comes. Although the guidelines are welcomed and appreciated by the Muslim community, they have also drawn criticism for disregarding the non-Muslim communities of the Region who do not partake in the Ramadan traditions.
Over 90 percent of Kurdistan Region's population is Muslim. Alcohol is forbidden in Islam.
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
