Iraq bans alcohol imports amid Christian criticism

By Raed Al-Hamid

BAGHDAD (AA) – Iraq has banned imports of alcoholic beverages amid criticism from Christian lawmakers.

In a statement, the Iraqi General Authority of Customs said all customs points were ordered to ban the entry of all kinds of alcoholic beverages.

It cited the 2023 Municipal Imports Law, which bans the import, production and sale of alcoholic beverages, for the move.

The law was passed by the Iraqi parliament in October 2016, but it was only put into force last month.

The application of the law, however, drew fire from Christian lawmaker Farouk Hanna Ato, who said the legislation "contradicts the foundations of the Iraqi Constitution.”

“The Iraqi Constitution that emphasizes individual freedoms cannot be violated,” he said in statements.

Last week, the five Christian lawmakers in the Iraqi parliament filed a lawsuit with the Federal Court challenging the constitutionality of the Municipal Imports Law.

There are around 250,000 Christians in Iraq, according to the Iraqi Human Rights Commission.

There are at least 200 licensed shops selling alcoholic beverages in the Iraq capital, Baghdad.

* Ikram Imane Kouachi contributed to this report