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Iranwire – The coincidence of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan with the Nowruz New Year holiday has led to Iranian authorities implementing a new set of restrictions.
Even before Nowruz began, the Deputy Interior Minister threatened to take action against those who chose not to fast during the holiday despite Islamic law exempting travelers from fasting obligations.
Seyed Majid Mir Ahmadi specifically addressed the situation in tourist cities during Ramadan, saying, “Due to the overlap of the holy month of Ramadan with Nowruz and the travel season, I must emphasize that even in tourist cities, travelers should refrain from eating or drinking in public during fasting hours.”
Furthermore, a statement released by the General Police Command of the Islamic Republic requested citizens to “avoid any display of breaking fast in public, wearing unusual clothing, removing their hijab, or engaging in inappropriate interactions between men and women in shops and public spaces.”
Adding to the restrictions, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, the Attorney General, issued an order to prosecutors nationwide.
He called for increased monitoring of enforcing compulsory hijab in recreational areas and the public consumption of food and drinks. Following this directive, prosecutors in various provinces warned citizens about the same.
While the Islamic Penal Code does not explicitly outline punishment for eating during Ramadan in public, it criminalizes “pretending to commit a forbidden act in public.” It means anyone found pretending to break a religious rule in public could face imprisonment for ten days to two months or up to 74 lashes.
