ALMATY, Kazakhstan — Kazakh authorities say a new vodka brand that uses the word "Allah" on its bottles is being withdrawn from circulation after protests from outraged Muslims.
Officials in the northwestern city of Semey said in a statement Thursday that the local distributor of Baiterek vodka insists that it has no reserve stocks.
Islam strictly forbids drinking alcohol. The use of the Arabic word for God in a decorative motif on the bottle has incensed believers in several Kazakh towns. The motif reads "Allah's Strength Is Enough for Everybody."
Local media say makers of the liquor have apologized for the blasphemy, saying they were unaware as nobody in the company could read Arabic script.
(AP)
()
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
