A “satanic network” was recently busted by Iranian authorities in Shahrir, southwest of Tehran. The group’s goal was to spread the culture of devilry, debauchery, and nudity. According to the police statement from IRNA, members of the network, including Europeans and Iranians, were arrested during a specialized operation conducted by the Farja intelligence organization.
During the operation, 261 individuals were arrested in an “undesirable and obscene situation,” with satanic symbols emblazoned on their clothing, heads, faces, and hair. Additionally, three European citizens were taken into custody but their identities and nationalities were not disclosed. The authorities seized symbols of satanism, alcoholic beverages, drugs and 73 cars during the operation.
The term “Satanism” is not clearly defined by Iranian authorities who have previously punished musicians and artists for allegedly promoting Satanism. These types of gatherings have become more prevalent in recent years in Iran. The police have carried out similar raids in the past including ones on illegal concerts and tattoo parlors accused of promoting satanic symbols.
Iran has been accused of making arbitrary arrests of foreign nationals or individuals with dual citizenship as a means of exerting pressure on Western countries. These arrests have led to diplomatic tensions between Iran and Western nations with demands for the release of detained individuals often going unmet. Reports of arrests related to Satanism and other perceived offenses have been documented in various regions of Iran over the years.
