Iraqi Religious Right Target Porn Dealers

BAGHDAD — Free from the state censorship of Saddam Hussein’s Bath Party, some enterprising Iraqis have dipped their toes in the waters of adult entertainment — but they face deadly opposition from religious zealots.

Constant insurgent attacks against newly formed and under-trained local police forces have created a Wild Wild West atmosphere throughout most of the country, leading to rampant unemployment.

Amid the chaos and desperation, dozens of young men have started importing sex movies from Europe, Lebanon and the country’s Arab neighbors, despite incredible risks, including death threats from religious fundamentalists.

“I am scared, but what else can I do?” Abu Mustafa, a porn salesman operating out of a car at Baghdad’s Bab al-Sharjee market, said.

Mustafa’s sells around 50 videos a day, typically hiding them in cases from music CDs or cartoon DVDs.

While Iraq’s interim government drafts a constitution, there are no laws against Mustafa’s new business venture, but he said the country’s Iranian-trained militia, the Badr Brigades, most of whom are Shi’ites, have launched an assault on him and his associates.

“They shot my friend Haider and then they burned him,” Mustafa said.

Ahmed Saad, another porn dealer working at the market, said militia members have told him they will burn his shop and kill his family if he doesn’t stop selling sex movies.

But a spokesman for the Badr Brigades denies that the militia is practicing frontier justice.

“We go through official procedures and raise the issue with the police,” Muhammad al-Turaifi said. “To suggest we go and beat these people up is absurd.”

But just this week, another dealer was shot in broad daylight, and Mustafa said the police have started extorting him and his colleagues, demanding payment for protection against the militia.

“We just have to work secretly,” he said.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Cubbi Thompson: On a Wild Ride All Her Own

How do you relax after a hard day’s work? A) Sprawl on the couch, B) Soak in the tub, or C) Head straight for the nearest theme park and jump on the roller coaster.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Moves to Outlaw Internet Pornography

A parliamentary committee of the Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday approved a measure to outlaw online adult content in the country.

Elizabeth Skylar, Selena Ivy Topline 'My Friend's Lesbian Daughter 4'

Elizabeth Skylar and Selena Ivy headline the latest release from Girlfriends Films, titled “My Friend's Lesbian Daughter 4.”

Sweden Bans Purchase of 'Remote' Sexual Services

The Riksdag, Sweden’s parliament, has approved a proposal to criminalize purchasing sexual services performed remotely by streamers and custom content creators.

Asa Akira to Deliver XBIZ Talk at Miami Conference

XBIZ is pleased to announce that decorated performer, Pornhub brand ambassador, and author Asa Akira is set to deliver an exclusive talk at XBIZ Miami.

Rachael Cavalli: From Small Town Girl to MILF Next Door

Cavalli always wanted to be an actress. Like so many others, she moved to Los Angeles with dreams of mainstream stardom. Hollywood was indeed glamorous, she discovered, but making rent was another matter.

Yhivi, Kira Noir Star in Latest From Brazzers

Yhivi stars alongside Kira Noir and Victor Ray in the latest release from Brazzers.

Aubrey Kate, Rylee Blake Star in Latest Episode of 'Preggo World'

Aubrey Kate and Rylee Blake star alongside Sage Roux in the latest installment of the Adult Time series "Preggo World," titled "Showered With Love."

Jewelz Blu Headlines Elegant Angel's 'Visions'

Jewelz Blu stars with Jay Smooth in the latest feature from Elegant Angel, titled “Visions.”

2025 XBIZ Miami Speaker Lineup Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full speaker lineup for XBIZ Miami, the latest edition of the adult industry’s premier summer conference, set to take place May 19-22 at the Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach hotel in South Beach.

Show More