| Submit your comments on this article |
| Axis of Evil |
| Iran coppers roll up sidewalks at midnite... |
| 2002-07-31 |
| Iranian police confirmed Wednesday they had obliged all shops, restaurants and other trade outlets to close at midnight, in a measure of "social discipline" that has infuriated the city's residents. "Social discipline!" That's what we need, by God! If y'don't enforce piety, next thing y'know they'll be sinning in broad daylight... Police information chief Colonel Ahmad Mahmudi said in a statement that the order had been issued "some time ago" under an agreement between the police and the trade ministry. Many city shops, which in the past have stayed open up to 3:00 a.m. in summer, Wednesday bore stickers saying they would be closing at 11.30 p.m. They can probably use the extra time to sit up reading their Korans... Critics linked it to other repressive measures, notably a crackdown by special police units on young people accused of lax morals. They noted that it had come into force after clashes between police and demonstrators at banned rallies on July 9 to mark the third anniversary of an abortive student revolt. "You know those young people and their lax morals. No piety to 'em nowadays. No piety. Why, back in my day, we didn't even know women had faces..." |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |