Hundreds detained in Iran for partying
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 22 December 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Hundreds detained in Iran for partying, 22 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a9fc6d8a.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
December 22, 2017 16:04 GMT
Iranian police prepare to destroy confiscated bottles of alcohol in Tehran.
Police in Iran have detained 230 boys and girls at separate parties in the capital, Tehran.
Iranian semi-official news agencies report that Tehran police on December 21 arrested 140 of the young partygoers in a garden on the outskirts of the capital and 90 in one of the city's affluent northern neighborhoods while dancing and drinking alcohol.
Drinking alcohol and mixed parties of unrelated men and women are illegal under Islamic law enforced in Iran.
The head of Tehran's morality police, Zolfaghar Barfar, said psychotropic drugs and alcohol were confiscated.
He said "several singers" are among those detained at the parties.
He said the parties were streamed live on the popular photo- and video-sharing application Instagram.
Reports said some participants posted an invitation to others to join on Instagram and police arrested them.
Based on reporting by AP, ISNA, and Tasnim
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
