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

Andie Anderson Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Andie Anderson and Nade Nasty star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Riley Reid Makes Her Studio Return in Dorcel's 'Strip'

Multi-XMAs winner Riley Reid has returned to studio work, starring in the latest feature from Dorcel, “Strip.”

Vixen Media Group Appoints Samuel Spencer as President, COO

Vixen Media Group (VMG) has named industry veteran Samuel Spencer as its new president and chief operating officer.

French Telecoms Mogul Ignites AV Firestorm With Free VPN, Sarcastic Tweet

French billionaire Xavier Niel, founder of telecommunications giant Iliad S.A., ignited a heated debate this week when he appeared to admit that the no-cost VPN his Free Mobile wireless carrier has integrated into its service was deliberately designed to circumvent age verification restrictions and allow customers to access adult content.

UPDATED: Michigan Legislators Propose Online Porn Ban

Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it illegal to distribute pornography via the internet in the state.

Andie Anderson Leads Latest From MILFY

Andie Anderson stars with Jay Hefner in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint MILFY.

Autumn Rain Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Autumn Rain has made her TransAngels debut alongside reigning XMAs Gay Performer of the Year Derek Kage in "Exploring Autumn."

Tiffani Time Makes Her Kink.com Debut

Tiffani Time has made her Kink.com debut alongside Christian Wilde in "Bound to Get Caught."

Zazie Skymm, Candee Licious Star in Latest From MixedX

Zazie Skymm and Candee Licious star in the latest release from MixedX, titled “House Of Claws.”

Evil Angel Debuts Proxy Paige's 'I Fucking Love Berlin 2'

Evil Angel has released director Proxy Paige’s new title, “I Fucking Love Berlin 2.”

Show More