The dispute over banning alcoholic beverages is awaiting resolution before the Federal Court

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[size=52]The dispute over banning alcoholic beverages is awaiting resolution before the Federal Court[/size]

[size=45]Baghdad / Hussein Hatem[/size]
[size=45]The law banning alcoholic beverages in Iraq sparked widespread controversy among the political and social circles and components, as the non-Islamic components considered the law an infringement of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Iraqi constitution and contrary to the decisions of the Federal Court. On the other hand, the Islamists see the opposite, as they described the presence and circulation of alcoholic beverages in a country of an Islamic nature as “contradictory to religion, customs and traditions.”[/size]
[size=45]This law was voted on in 2016, but it was not published in the Official Gazette, and therefore it did not enter into force until it was published on February 20, 2023.[/size]
[size=45]Member of Parliament Muhammad al-Ziyadi said in an interview with (al-Mada) that “the law banning alcoholic beverages must be taken into consideration that we are in an Islamic country and of a social and religious character.”[/size]
[size=45]Al-Ziyadi added, "The prohibition of alcoholic beverages does not mean conflict with freedoms, as much as it is respect for religion, customs and traditions."[/size]
[size=45]The member of the House of Representatives indicated that “respect for the street and society is also among the articles guaranteed by the constitution, as there has recently become anarchy regarding the drinking and circulation of alcoholic beverages.”[/size]
[size=45]He pointed out, "Alcoholic drinks, like narcotic substances, both destroy the mind, and the fear that young people will resort to drugs after the decision to ban alcoholic beverages is exaggerated."[/size]
[size=45]Al-Ziyadi explained that “the youth’s resorting to alcoholic beverages and drug abuse is the result of the emptiness and unemployment they go through,” noting that “providing job opportunities and a decent life for the citizen will eliminate this phenomenon once and for all.” In turn, former MP Yonadam Kanna says, in an interview with (Al-Mada), that “the law prohibiting alcoholic beverages was legislated in a lame and incorrect manner,” noting that “this law is not to ban drinks as much as it is a tax law.” Kanna added, "When the value of the dinar became weak against the dollar, those concerned had to pass the law to reap the levies."[/size]
[size=45]The Assyrian politician pointed out, “The Islamic parties put the Speaker of Parliament at the time under threat and pressure to present the law banning alcoholic beverages, despite his assertion that it is a violation of the internal order and a violation of the decision of the Federal Court and the Constitution.”[/size]
[size=45]The former deputy pointed out, “It is not permissible to legislate a law that contradicts the rights and freedoms stipulated in the Iraqi constitution,” noting that “the constitution guarantees rights and freedoms for all religions and components.”[/size]
[size=45]He explained, "The law is considered an expulsion of non-Islamic components and tourists, as well as an expulsion of the diplomatic corps," noting that "Qatar is also considered an Islamic country, but it does not interfere with the lives of those who buy alcoholic beverages."[/size]
[size=45]And Kanna stated, “The law contains major violations that affect national security, and pushes young people towards drugs, because the prices of alcoholic beverages will rise, and it will be difficult to obtain them.”[/size]
[size=45]And he went on to say, "Resorting to drugs means an increase in crime and murder," noting that "many workers will be laid off from their work who work in bars and nightclubs, and this increases the tragedies of the Iraqi economic situation."[/size]
[size=45]Kanna believed that “the law violates the constitution and the decision of the Federal Court, as well as the religious and moral side by infringing on the rights of other components.”[/size]
[size=45]He praised the move of the Babylon bloc, after it submitted “an appeal to the Federal Supreme Court; regarding the law banning alcoholic beverages in Iraq,” calling on other components to “take the same step.”[/size]
[size=45]The former deputy concluded by saying: “I demanded that the government submit a request to the Federal Court to stop the implementation of the law by state order.” For his part, the head of the Babylon Parliamentary Bloc, Aswan Al-Kildani, announced that he had submitted an appeal before the Federal Court against the law banning the import of alcoholic beverages, stressing in the appeal petition that it represents significant revenues for the state that cannot be underestimated.[/size]
[size=45]According to the lawsuit documents dated February 27, Al-Kaldani indicated that there are many citizens whose religions and beliefs allow them to practice the work of importing and purchasing alcoholic beverages, which requires protecting these freedoms to ensure pluralism in society.[/size]
[size=45]He stressed that “Municipal Imports Law No. 1 of 2023, Article 14, related to the ban on importing, manufacturing, and selling alcoholic beverages of all kinds, is contrary to paragraphs (b and c) of Article Two of the Iraqi constitution, which included the inadmissibility of enacting any law that contradicts the principles of democracy, rights, and fundamental freedoms.” ".[/size]
[size=45]The Babylonian Coalition is one of the Coordinating Framework's allies and is also a partner in the State Administration Coalition, which is currently evaluating the government.[/size]
[size=45]Yesterday, Saturday, the General Authority for Customs announced banning the import of alcohol, in implementation of a controversial law that entered into force recently in this conservative country, while observers denounced what they considered decisions that limit freedoms.[/size]
[size=45]The authority stated in a statement received by (Al-Mada) that its directive “came based on the municipal imports law,” referring to Article 14 of the law that was published in the Official Gazette on February 20, and stipulates that “it is prohibited to import, manufacture, and sell alcoholic beverages of all kinds.”[/size]
[size=45]The law imposes a fine on violators ranging between 10 million and 25 million Iraqi dinars (between 7 thousand and 19 thousand dollars).[/size]
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