A new wave of Alcohol poisoning has begun in several cities in Iran. Head of public relations for Hormozgan Medical University announced that since Friday, October 19th, 40 people have visited doctors for alcohol poisoning.

Fatemeh Norouzi told ISNA: “Out of the 40, one has passed away, two are in critical conditions, and 19 have been under dialysis.”

She emphasized that the treatment centers “do not report the names of the poisoned individuals to the police and judicial authorities, so these people must visit emergency rooms and hospitals immediately.”

The poisonings are in part due to the high amount of counterfeit alcoholic drinks in the black market, which is the only alcohol market in the country.

 In Iran, possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is illegal (except for some religious minorities) and people who violate the law will receive lashings or prison sentences. According to Islamic Criminal Law, if a person is punished twice and drinks alcohol again, he will be executed.

Also, the dean of Alborz Medical University reported that the first and second waves of alcohol poisoning in Alborz province “caused 375 cases, 37 of which were women.” According to Hamid Darafshi, out of the 375 cases, “5 have completely lost their eyesight, 57 partially lost their eyesight, and some developed kidney problems.”  

So far 22 have lost their lives in Hormozgan province due to alcohol poisoning, and 28 in Alborz province.