It’s Ramadan – Arrests for Eating, Drinking and Smoking

Muslims the world over are celebrating Ramadan – a holy month dominated by fasting by day and celebrations by night. But what happens to those in some countries that do not fast?

1. Palestinian Territories

   In the Palestinian-administered territories administered by the Palestinian Authority (an officially secular organization), anyone caught eating and drinking in public can face a month in prison or be fined, according to a 2011 law. This year, police have arrested at least four people for breaking the fast in public under the charge of “paying no respect to the feelings of those fasting.”

   The law traditionally was not enforced for Christians living in Christian areas, but according to a Palestinian Authority official, that is changing. Prosecutor Alaa Tamimi stated anyone breaking the law will face arrest, despite the fact that the Palestinian state’s declaration of independence states that freedom of religion and expression is to be respected.

2. Jordan

   After a police raid ordered by the administrative governor on a restaurant serving food to students from the German Jordanian University, Twitter users took to the social media site accusing Jordanian authorities of acting like the Islamic State…

readmore>>
clarionproject
Also published on Fenixx.org