Iran majilis new jihad against "Martini"

Persian Journal:

July 5, 2005

Iran's mullah-run majlis (parliament) on Tuesday passed the outlines of a bill that imposes tougher punishments on those caught buying, selling or making alcohol.

Under the country's strict Islamic barbaric law, only members of non-Muslim religious minorities are allowed to make and drink alcohol. Trade in liquor is forbidden.

The bill's outlines almost doubles the punishment for distribution and production of alcohol, banned since Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution.

"The offenders can be jailed from three months to one year or receive 74 lashes and be fined," IRNA reported. State employees involved in producing or selling alcohol, will be banned from working in governmental positions.

Parliament has yet to debate the bill's full details. To become law, the bill will then need the approval of mullahs of Guardian Council, a so-called constitutional watchdog body.

Although illegal, alcohol is readily available on Iran's black market. Iran's clerical leaders blame the West(Zionists and U.S.) for the problem of smuggled and home-made alcohol, saying it wants to lure Iranians away from pious religious observance.