The police commander of Savadkuh County has announced the arrest of 28 citizens on charges of “Satanism” and possession of alcoholic beverages.
According to the Campaign for the Defense of Political and Civil Prisoners, these individuals had come to the city of Savadkuh as part of a travel tour from other provinces. Saeed Mehdavi, the police commander of Savadkuh, without mentioning the identities and whereabouts of these citizens, claimed that they displayed “specific symbols and signs of Satanism.”
The arrest of these individuals on charges of “Satanism” has elicited various reactions. Some social media users have condemned this action as a violation of human rights and individual freedoms. Others believe that any form of “cultural deviation” should be strictly dealt with.
It is noteworthy that no evidence of crime has been presented so far, and the charge of “Satanism” remains undefined. Additionally, criticisms have been directed at the Iranian judicial and law enforcement systems for intruding into the private live of citizens and interfering in their personal matters.