Police Spokesman: No Special Instructions for Valentine's Day, But Businesses Have Been Informed

Despite a directive from the police's venues department last year, the spokesman for the police announced that no "special instructions" have been issued for dealing with individuals on Valentine's Day, but earlier discussions have taken place with businesses, and everyone has been informed. Saeed Montazer al-Mahdi said on Monday, February 14, in an interview with Mehr News Agency that no "special instructions" have been issued for police officers regarding Valentine's Day. He emphasized that cafes and entertainment centers should operate as usual, but "certainly, there will be action taken against individuals who intend to disrupt order." The police spokesman stated that discussions had previously occurred with businesses regarding this day, and everyone has been informed. He stressed that celebrating this day is "a social issue that should be resolved within the community." Mr. Montazer al-Mahdi also mentioned that the police have not taken action against sellers of foreign red chocolates and stuffed animals. He added, "If the goods offered in commercial centers are smuggled, naturally, the anti-smuggling police will deal with it... and it has nothing to do with a specific day." Mr. Montazer al-Mahdi's comments come after last year's announcement by the police's venues department, which prohibited the celebration of Valentine's Day in cafes and emphasized that businesses were not allowed to advertise or sell symbols and goods related to this celebration. Valentine's Day, which is celebrated annually on February 14, has attracted the attention of the Iranian public for over 15 years. The customs of this day, which include giving stuffed animals, chocolates, cards, or decorative boxes as a sign of "love" between partners, have faced opposition from cultural, supervisory, and police institutions in Iran. These institutions and organizations issue various threatening notices and directives annually in the lead-up to Valentine's Day (approximately February 14 in Iran) to prevent its celebration. Nevertheless, even in cities like Qom and Mashhad, celebrations related to this day are held by interested girls and boys in cafes and other public places. The import of items related to Valentine's Day has also been banned since 2012 based on a decree from the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council, but reports indicate that these items are sold in many shopping centers.