Sunday, November 16, 2003
Iranian women sentenced to 50 lashes
Agence France-Presse Tehran, November 15
Seven Iranian women in the southwestern city of Shiraz were sentenced to 50 lashes each for undermining strict Islamic codes during the holy month of Ramadan, a hardline paper reported on Saturday.
The women, wearing heavy makeup, were dancing and listening to loud music at the time of Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the day-long fast during Ramadan, making fun of fasting Muslims, the Kayhan newspaper said.
They were arrested by police, the paper said, without giving any further details.
Iran, governed by strict Islamic law since the 1979 revolution, prohibits drinking, smoking and eating in public places during Ramadan.
Even non-Muslims and those excused from fasting for medical reasons are told keep their non-observance quiet. Anyone found guilty of intentionally flouting this warning is sentenced to lashes and fines.
© Hindustan Times Ltd. 2003.