JEDDAH: Iranian security forces have arrested more than 260 people at a "Satanist" gathering in a town west of Tehran, authorities said on Friday.
Those arrested “were in an undesirable and obscene condition with emblems, signs, and symbols of satanism on their clothes, head, face, and hair,” police said. “Symbols of Satanism, alcoholic beverages and psychoactive substances along with 73 vehicles were seized.”
Those arrested comprised 146 men and 115 women, and three were European. Iranian media published photographs showing masks, what appeared to be model skulls and T-shirts with skulls on.
Raids on “Satanist” gatherings are not uncommon in Iran, often targeting parties or concerts with alcohol consumption. In July 2009, police arrested three people in the northwestern province of Ardebil over "satan worship".
In May of the same year, 104 “Satan-worshippers” were arrested in a raid on a concert in the southern city of Shiraz, where people were said to be “sucking blood.”
In 2007, police arrested 230 people in a raid on an illegal rock concert in a garden near Tehran.
Iran has in the past branded rock and heavy metal music concerts as Satanist.
