Iran arrests 35 people in alleged 'Satanist network gathering'

Iranian authorities arrested 35 people during a raid against a “Satanist network gathering” in the southwestern province of Khuzestan, local media reported on Saturday.

The operation took place after police “identified the location” of the gathering, which featured “signs and symbols of Satanism, alcohol and drugs”, the ISNA news agency said.

Raids against so-called “Satanist” gatherings are not uncommon in this deeply conservative country, often targeting parties or concerts where alcohol consumption is largely banned in Iran.

In total, “31 men and four women present at the scene” were arrested and referred to the judicial authorities, indicated ISNA citing Ruhollah Yaarizadeh, police chief of the city of Dezful, in Khuzestan.

In May, police arrested more than 250 people, including three Europeans, west of the capital Tehran on similar charges.

In 2007, a raid on an unauthorized rock concert near Tehran saw around 230 people arrested.

Authorities in this predominantly Shiite Muslim country have in the past described rock and heavy metal concerts as “Satanist” gatherings.