Iran: More than 260 people, including three European citizens arrested at ‘satanist’ gathering

More than 260 people, including three European citizens, were arrested as Iranian security forces stopped a “satanist” gathering west of the capital Tehran, reported the semi-official news agency Tasnim, on Friday (May 17).

About the arrests

A report by the state-run IRNA news agency said that the suspects were arrested on Thursday (May 16) night in Shahryar County, for “spreading the culture of satanism and nudity.” However, did not elaborate on what the gathering was exactly about.

It was also not clear how more than 260 people were arrested in one night and if they were at one location or not. Notably, gatherings of unrelated men and women are illegal in Iran and considered a sin under Islamic law.

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According to the Iranian media reports, 146 men, 115 women, and three European citizens were arrested. The nationalities of the three European citizens were not immediately known.

Those arrested were found “in an undesirable and obscene state with emblems, signs and symbols of satanism on their clothes, head, face and hair,” said the local news agencies citing a police statement.

“Satanist network broken up in Tehran, arrests of three European nationals,” reported the semi-official news agency Tasnim.

It also published photos alongside its report showing masks, what appeared to be model skulls and T-shirts with skulls on, reported Reuters.

According to a report by Iran’s Fars news agency, Iranian law enforcement officials also seized alcohol, psychoactive substances and 73 vehicles during the overnight raid on a “satanist network”.

A 25-second video posted by the agency showed a scene from a gathering resembling a techno event, reported DW.

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While these symbols are common in tattoos, piercings, and earrings, they are prohibited in Iran and so is drinking alcohol.

Raids on ‘satanism’

The raids by Iranian security forces of so-called “satanist” gatherings are not uncommon in the deeply conservative Islamic Republic which often targets parties or concerts with alcohol consumption.

In July 2009, police arrested three people in the northwestern province of Ardebil over “satan worship,” according to news agency AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)