Monday, October 17, 2005

Iran cops 'kill man for eating in Ramadan'

Agence France Presse:
Iranian police have been accused of shooting and killing a motorist after he failed to stop when spotted eating during holy month of Ramadan, a Press report said yesterday.

The victim, identified as 22-year-old Seyed Mostafa, was shot dead in Teheran on Saturday. He was also playing loud music with his car stereo, the report said.

"Even if the police claim is right, is eating during the fasting month punishable by death?" the victim's brother was quoted as saying.

The report did not say if the family would press charges against the police, who have been actively enforcing a Ramadan ban on public eating, drinking and smoking as well as a wider campaign to crack down on "lawless elements".