The crackdown on alcohol in Iraq and the alarming social media posts

 Iraq's government, which has only been in power for a few months, is abruptly enforcing long-dormant legislation barring the import of alcohol and detaining people for posting morally objectionable content on social media. Rights campaigners and religious minorities are alarmed by the crackdown.

Some believe that the restrictions are an effort by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to divert attention away from the country's economic problems—such as rising prices and erratic currency fluctuations.

Although the prohibition on the production, sale, and import of alcohol was adopted in 2016, it wasn't until last month that it was made enforceable by publication in the official gazette. The prohibition was mandated at all border crossings on Saturday by the customs department of Iraq.

With the exception of the northern, semi-autonomous Kurdish area, which has not implemented the prohibition, border crossings went dry overnight, despite the fact that many liquor stores throughout Iraq continued operating as usual and likely used up their stockpiles. In the meantime, the cost of alcohol increased as a result of a shortage.

The second-largest city in Iraq, Mosul, is home to Ghazwan Isso's plant where he produces arak, a popular anise-flavored liquor. In 15 shops throughout Baghdad, he offers it for sale alongside imported alcohol made abroad.

Isso claimed that the booze manufactured in his factory, worth $3 million, is also stuck in warehouses. Although it's not yet known if or when the prohibition on the selling of alcohol will be put into effect, Isso claimed he won't bring trucks from his facility in Mosul to Baghdad for fear of being stopped.

The restriction, in Isso's opinion, is detrimental to Iraq's multi-religious societal structure. He thinks it will encourage more non-Muslims to leave.

While Christians, who make up 1% of Iraq's population of roughly 40 million, are allowed to drink alcohol and use it in religious rituals, it is typically forbidden in Islam, the religion of the vast majority of Iraqis.

Former Christian lawmaker Joseph Sliwa attributed the decision to begin enforcing the law to radicals in both the Sunni and Shiite Muslim communities of Iraq. He predicted that manufacturers and owners of liquor stores would become prey to armed organizations or people in positions of authority who would try to extract bribes from them.

Sliwa shared Isso's concern that the prohibition on alcohol might lead to a rise in illicit drug use.

Mahmoud al-Hassan, a judge and former politician, supported the ban as constitutional and contended that it is consistent with the beliefs of the majority of Iraqis and won't restrict individuals' freedoms.