Arrest of 261 Individuals, Including Three European Citizens in Iran on Charges of 'Satanism'

The Iranian police's information center announced that 261 'organized members' of a 'satanic network,' including 'three European nationals,' were arrested in Shahriar, Karaj. This center stated on Friday, 28 Ordibehesht, that these individuals were arrested 'last night' for 'spreading the culture of satanism and immorality.' The announcement indicated that the arrested individuals included '146 men and 115 women,' who, along with '73 seized vehicles,' were handed over to judicial authorities. The Iranian police did not provide information about the nationality of the three arrested European citizens. Additionally, 135 individuals were arrested in Damavand on charges of possessing 'satanic symbols.' The Tasnim news agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, published photos showing statues and t-shirts with skull designs. Iranian security and law enforcement officials often refer to fans of metal music as 'satanists.' This genre, a subset of rock music, critiques many social relations and political processes through symbols and protest songs. In recent years, the IRGC and law enforcement have repeatedly reported arrests of individuals linked to 'satanic networks' across Iran, claiming that 'some foreign elements have long sought to promote corruption in the country by sending individuals from satanic and homosexual groups.' The Islamic Republic is accused of using the arrest of foreign nationals or dual citizens to pressure Western governments to meet its demands. Human rights organizations and former prisoners have condemned this policy as 'hostage diplomacy' by the Islamic Republic. Furthermore, 13 young individuals were arrested in a restaurant in Tehran for 'carrying satanic symbols.'