90 Young Men and Women Arrested for Water Play in Sepidan, Fars

The Secretary of the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Headquarters of the Sepidan Corps in Fars Province has stated that 90 young men and women were arrested during a mixed recreational and tourism tour in the heights of the Arshiri village in Sepidan. According to 'Young Journalists Club', Colonel Rouhollah Rostami, the Secretary of the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Headquarters of the Sepidan Corps, said: 'Following reports that 90 young men and women were engaging in recreational activities in a mixed tour in the heights of Arshiri village, we were dispatched to the area with legal permits in coordination with the police.' This military official added: 'The Basij forces of the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice Headquarters of the Sepidan Corps, in coordination with judicial authorities and through legal processes, went to the heights of Arshiri village and arrested individuals who were having fun and playing in the water.' Colonel Rouhollah Rostami accused these young men and women of 'norm violation' during Ramadan. He also reported the discovery of 'alcoholic beverages' from this tour. In recent months, police commanders in various provinces of Iran have reported multiple inspections of gardens and halls where they claim mixed celebrations may be held. Additionally, reports of citizens being arrested in various provinces for participating in 'mixed parties' have increased. In some cases, attendees at these parties have been sentenced to lashes, which has sparked reactions. Last June, the execution of lash sentences for 35 students for participating in a 'mixed night party' in Qazvin faced significant protests and criticism in Iran. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the flogging of these young men and women as a 'disgusting' act. In part of its statement, the High Commissioner for Human Rights said: 'The use of this cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment, which can be considered torture, by responsible authorities in Iran is absolutely disproportionate and heinous.' In this context, the police warned about 'visible norm violations' during Ramadan, arresting '120 people at a night party' in eastern Tehran. The Tehran prosecutor stated: '120 men and women were arrested in a café.' This marks a new round of arrests in mixed parties in Iran.