A jihadist website recently reported that picking garlic has been banned in several parts of both Chechnya and neighboring Ingushetia for the duration of the Sochi Winter Olympics. A jihadist website recently reported that picking wild garlic has been banned in several parts of both Chechnya and neighboring Ingushetia for the duration of the Sochi Winter Olympics. The specific motivation for the provision against the popular activity is cloudy, but whatever it is, some are less than thrilled by the measure. Said the site, "The infidels and apostates have not explained in what way picking wild garlic in the forests... could endanger the Sochi Olympics." It may not be the Olympics that authorities are worried about harming, though. Apparently, it's become a dangerous pastime as of late due to security operations in the area. After being erroneously identified as rebels, several garlic pickers have been injured, and in some cases killed. In one unfortunate incident in recent years, four teenagers looking to load up on free garlic and enjoy the countryside wound up dead. They were reportedly spotted, shot at, and pursued by Russian commandos. The ban went into effect on January 23rd and will remain in place until the 23rd of March.

• published: 28 Jan 2014
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