Poisoning and Death of 27 People Due to Consumption of Fake Alcohol in Rasht

Following the poisoning of several residents in the city of Rasht due to the consumption of fake alcohol, the head of the Gilan University of Medical Sciences reported an increase in the number of cases and fatalities related to alcoholic beverages to 27 poisoned individuals, stating, "6 of them have lost their lives." According to reports, on Sunday, October 8, 20 people with symptoms of poisoning visited medical centers in Gilan, and this number has now risen to 27, with 6 confirmed deaths. Mohammad Taghi Ashoubi also mentioned that 6 patients with stable conditions have been discharged. In another report, Rasoul Zafarmand, the treatment director of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, announced that in recent days, 57 individuals sought treatment for alcohol poisoning at hospitals in Chalus and Amol, of which 4 died, 5 are in critical condition, and 18 required dialysis. The attempt to impose the policies of the Islamic Republic on the personal lives of citizens and intervene in their lifestyles, such as mandatory hijab enforced under the guise of "promotion of virtue and prevention of vice," has repeatedly claimed victims in Iran. Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, the production, preparation, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages have been "illegal" in Iran, with various punishments including execution. Consequently, the unregulated preparation and distribution of alcohol using industrial alcohol has repeatedly resulted in death and irreparable physical harm to citizens. According to a report by the World Health Organization published in 2018, Iran ranks ninth in the world in alcohol consumption.