Iran Arrests 230 Youths Attending 'Satanic' Rock Concert

Published August 06, 2007

| Associated Press

Iran arrested more than 200 music fans at an underground rock concert that one official called a "satanic" gathering and authorities accused the youths of breaking Islamic law.




Calls to authorities were not immediately returned on Sunday. But the public prosecutor in Karaj, Ali Farhadi, said Saturday about 230 people were arrested during the concert.

"Most of them were wealthy young people who were not aware of the satanic nature of the concert," Farhadi told state television. "A female singer, who was performing, and some rock and rap music bands were among the detained."

He said concert organizers had told young people to attend if they were eager to learn how "devil worshippers" perform music.

Local media reported organizers hid cameras to tape the attendants' behavior and later blackmail them. The reports also said police confiscated large amounts of alcohol and drugs.


Concert organizers were not available for comment.

Iranian authorities have warned the population in recent weeks to avoid what they call "immoral behavior," which includes drinking alcohol or, for women, not wearing a headscarf.

The concert participant who witnessed the police raid said many detainees were released on bail Saturday and Sunday.

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