Iran detains scores at "satanic" rock gig [Archive]

Gan

08-06-2007, 08:22 AM

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iranian police detained more than 200 people and seized alcohol and drugs in a raid on a "satanic" underground rock concert, media in the conservative Islamic state reported on Saturday.

Iran, which has launched an annual summer crackdown on "immoral behavior", bans alcohol, narcotics and parties with unrelated men and women dancing, drinking and mixing. Western popular music is frowned upon.

The police operation took place on Wednesday night in the town of Karaj near the capital Tehran, at an event with local disc jockeys, rock and rap groups performing, the media said.

"Most of those arrested are wealthy young people ... who came to this party with the goal of attending a provocative, satanic concert," daily Tehran-e Emrouz quoted a senior police official, Reza Zarei, as saying.

Karaj's public prosecutor, Ali Farhadi, said invitations had been sent out via the Internet and that people from Britain and Sweden were among those held. Zarei suggested they were expatriate Iranians visiting the country.

Farhadi said 150 bottles of alcoholic drinks, 800 "obscene" CDs and different kinds of drugs had been confiscated by police, as well as "inappropriate" dresses that those behind the event were giving to female guests as gifts.

"Some 230 people who attended a rock party in Karaj were identified and arrested," Farhadi said on the Web site of Iran's state broadcaster.
He said 20 video cameras had also been seized and that the organizers had planned to blackmail girls after filming "inappropriate and obscene" videos of them.

Under sharia, Islamic law, imposed after Iran's 1979 revolution, women are obliged to cover their hair and wear long, loose clothing to disguise their figures and protect their modesty. Violators can receive lashes, fines or imprisonment.

http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL0423282220070804?feedType=RSS&rpc=22&sp=true

Jayvn

08-06-2007, 08:27 AM

Iran, which has launched an annual summer crackdown on "immoral behavior", bans alcohol, narcotics and parties with unrelated men and women dancing, drinking and mixing. Western popular music is frowned upon.

But it's totally cool to do it with relatives...
Keep it in the Iranian family

TheEschaton

08-06-2007, 08:42 AM

Well, at least free speech is alive and well in Iran.

Warriorbird

08-09-2007, 12:30 AM

How Republican of them.

Sean of the Thread

08-09-2007, 12:50 AM

Well, at least free speech is alive and well in Iran.

qft

Whimsi

08-09-2007, 02:28 AM

I miss a lot since I don't read every thread but whatever happened to the poster called etc? Did he finally dig a hole with his mouth that he couldn't climb out of? What a putz.

sst

08-09-2007, 06:44 AM

Great Government over there. I thank them every time a EFP goes off or we get rockets shot at us, we get mortared or the various other things those persians have thier hands in across their western border. I hope their population soon reaches its breaking point and they have a revolt.

Parkbandit

08-09-2007, 09:36 AM

I miss a lot since I don't read every thread but whatever happened to the poster called etc? Did he finally dig a hole with his mouth that he couldn't climb out of? What a putz.

He's climbed out of bigger holes.. I think he was just tired of getting pwned by me and decided to stick with www.barneyandfriends.com where he is considered a pundit.

Keller

08-09-2007, 09:43 AM

I miss a lot since I don't read every thread but whatever happened to the poster called etc? Did he finally dig a hole with his mouth that he couldn't climb out of? What a putz.

He's a glutton for punishment. He'll be back.

Gan

08-09-2007, 10:35 AM

XTC folks!

XTC... that way it will come up when he does a search seeing if anyone is talking about him.

ElanthianSiren

08-09-2007, 11:43 AM

Parkbandit

08-09-2007, 12:33 PM

Oh my god NO! The authorities busted people with illegal substances! BASTARDS!!!!!111one

Surely, Iran has done plenty to earn the scorn of the US, but I don't quite see how individuals (both those coming into the country and nationals) disregarding the laws of the country qualifies. I doubt many of us would give a flying fuck if someone from Amsterdam disregarded American drug laws and was busted for providing/using pot. When you're in a country, you play by that country's rules.

I did giggle at the "Satanic rock gig" thing though. We'll fly them out to a Superjoint Ritual show.

Clearly you read the first sentance and then skipped to this post. Otherwise, you would have picked up this in the 2nd sentance:

Iran, which has launched an annual summer crackdown on "immoral behavior",bans alcohol, narcotics and parties with unrelated men and women dancing, drinking and mixing. Western popular music is frowned upon.

So you don't have an issue with a society that deems it illegal for unrelated men and women dancing?

Sean of the Thread

08-09-2007, 02:55 PM

It's not her fault.. her blood sugar was fucked up.

ElanthianSiren

08-09-2007, 03:48 PM

So you don't have an issue with a society that deems it illegal for unrelated men and women dancing?

Actually, I do, which is why I'm ever so glad that I live in the United States. However, if I was from say, Sweden, as some of the individuals being detained, I would observe the laws of the country I visit.

Let's simplify this even more. Do you expect that a pimp transporting/selling/partaking of flesh services from Nevada, where prostitution is decriminalized, shouldn't pay a penalty for it in a state where it IS criminalized? Why or why not?

Like I said, there are plenty of things we can fault Iran for, but being pissy because they've chosen to enforce their laws when people break them seems silly. We can absolutely fault the laws for being stupid, which I do; of course, I also don't see it as my responsibility to change their law code.

Sean, my blood sugar and pressure are both perfect today; thanks for your concern :)

Gan

08-09-2007, 04:21 PM

Actually, I do, which is why I'm ever so glad that I live in the United States. However, if I was from say, Sweden, as some of the individuals being detained, I would observe the laws of the country I visit.

Let's simplify this even more. Do you expect that a pimp transporting/selling/partaking of flesh services from Nevada, where prostitution is decriminalized, shouldn't pay a penalty for it in a state where it IS criminalized? Why or why not?

Like I said, there are plenty of things we can fault Iran for, but being pissy because they've chosen to enforce their laws when people break them seems silly. We can absolutely fault the laws for being stupid, which I do; of course, I also don't see it as my responsibility to change their law code.

Sean, my blood sugar and pressure are both perfect today; thanks for your concern :)

Congrats for missing the whole point of the thread.

(Hint: Its the very laws we're discussing that we find so reprehensible, and the fact that its a law passed by a group trying to pass themselves off as a government.)

ElanthianSiren

08-09-2007, 04:50 PM

(Hint: Its the very laws we're discussing that we find so reprehensible, and the fact that its a law passed by a group trying to pass themselves off as a government.)

I got that. I just didn't quite understand why this was even post worthy except to try to rattle the sabers over Iran. You don't like their laws. I get that. It doesn't change the fact that the law of Iran's land is that men and women shouldn't mix, unless they're related. The ban on alcohol/drugs isn't at all surprising if you understand that they're NOT a secular country. In (Shi'a) Islam, alcohol is forbidden. Should they change their religion or general national basis?

It's funny how what is and isn't considered a legitimate government changes. I'll let you guess who helped put the government of Iran in power in 1979 (hint, not the US, hint, there was a vote AND constitution, hint that makes the process.... democratic). As far as I know, Iran still votes, which means they voted for reps that enacted these laws, which we now condemn because we don't like them. Why do you hate freedom?

Gan

08-09-2007, 05:39 PM

I got that. I just didn't quite understand why this was even post worthy except to try to rattle the sabers over Iran. You don't like their laws. I get that.
Because this is a public forum (bulletin board) where people discuss things? :wtf:

It doesn't change the fact that the law of Iran's land is that men and women shouldn't mix, unless they're related. The ban on alcohol/drugs isn't at all surprising if you understand that they're NOT a secular country. In (Shi'a) Islam, alcohol is forbidden. Should they change their religion or general national basis?
You're conveniently leaving out that they also ban men and women (single or otherwise) from socializing together, especially in this context. Seems alcohol and drugs would be second nature unless you like getting drunk and high with a bunch of people the same sex as you. :shrug:

It's funny how what is and isn't considered a legitimate government changes. I'll let you guess who helped put the government of Iran in power in 1979 (hint, not the US, hint, there was a vote AND constitution, hint that makes the process.... democratic). So the overthrow of the Shaw was democratic? Are you smoking something?

As far as I know, Iran still votes, which means they voted for reps that enacted these laws, which we now condemn because we don't like them. Why do you hate freedom?
I'd like you to show me proof that the true leadership (Supreme Leader) of Iran is voted on, not just the assembly of experts. You cant, because he's appointed for life... You need to read up on this a little I think. For the record, Iran is a theocratic republic. Not a democracy.

The only ones hating freedom are those not allowing the people of Iran to socialize with members of the opposite sex. Let alone having a drink or listening to music. I can understand the drug thing, but please, the others arent comparable in any free context.

Sean of the Thread

08-09-2007, 05:44 PM

WE R FREE SPEECH!!

Oh and btw prostitution isn't legal in all of Nevada.. common misnomer. Brothels are regulated and legal everywhere but Clark county/Vegas. Street solicitation and call girls are not.

Gan

08-09-2007, 05:48 PM

Someone's been watching too many episodes of "Cat House" on HBO.

Sean of the Thread

08-09-2007, 05:48 PM

Someone's been watching too many episodes of "Cat House" on HBO.

That or looking into "investment opportunities" in Nevada. :lol:

Gan

08-09-2007, 05:49 PM

ROFL

Artha

08-09-2007, 05:49 PM

Well, at least free speech is alive and well in Iran.

Well yeah, they were able to have it in the first place. Of course it's alive and well!

Latrinsorm

08-09-2007, 06:12 PM

So the overthrow of the Shaw was democratic?Of, for, and by the people, and all that.

ElanthianSiren

08-09-2007, 06:13 PM

I'd like you to show me proof that the true leadership (Supreme Leader) of Iran is voted on, not just the assembly of experts. You cant, because he's appointed for life... You need to read up on this a little I think. For the record, Iran is a theocratic republic. Not a democracy.

The only ones hating freedom are those not allowing the people of Iran to socialize with members of the opposite sex. Let alone having a drink or listening to music. I can understand the drug thing, but please, the others arent comparable in any free context.

I didn't say Iran was a democracy. You don't need to be a democracy to have democratic elements (see Jordan and Saudi Arabia). The people do vote, as far as I'm aware, in regular intervals (4 years president, not the supreme leader, who as you pointed out is appointed for life, 8 years other bodies). Are you saying that in 1979, the people of Iran didn't approve the first Supreme Leader (we are talking about the religious mix of politics right?)?

Iranians are not permitted to drink because drinking is against Muslim faith and they are NOT a secular (non religious) nation. If you understand the drugs problem, I'm lost as to why you can't understand that prohibition, as alcohol is a drug. In fact, if you research much of the laws you're taking issue with, you will find that their reasoning has a Muslim basis, which is why I asked if you expect them to change their foundation/basis. They are a theocracy, as you mentioned.

That aside, I wanted to point out that it isn't that I feel all of your concerns about Iran are unfounded. It's simply that you seem to have a real zeal for pointing out the large and pithy shortfalls of this country. Of course, this is only a problem when there is actually a wolf like Iran, (most likely pursuing arms methods that have the potential to make much of the world flat), and it serves to distract/numb people from appreciating the security threat they may pose.

ElanthianSiren

08-09-2007, 06:14 PM

Gan

08-09-2007, 06:18 PM

I didn't say Iran was a democracy. You don't need to be a democracy to have democratic elements (see Jordan and Saudi Arabia). The people do vote, as far as I'm aware, in regular intervals (4 years president, not the supreme leader, who as you pointed out is appointed for life, 8 years other bodies). Are you saying that in 1979, the people of Iran didn't approve the first Supreme Leader (we are talking about the religious mix of politics right?)?

Iranians are not permitted to drink because drinking is against Muslim faith and they are NOT a secular (non religious) nation. If you understand the drugs problem, I'm lost as to why you can't understand that prohibition, as alcohol is a drug. In fact, if you research much of the laws you're taking issue with, you will find that their reasoning has a Muslim basis, which is why I asked if you expect them to change their foundation/basis. They are a theocracy, as you mentioned.

That aside, I wanted to point out that it isn't that I feel all of your concerns about Iran are unfounded. It's simply that you seem to have a real zeal for pointing out the large and pithy shortfalls of this country. Of course, this is only a problem when there is actually a wolf like Iran, (most likely pursuing arms methods that have the potential to make much of the world flat), and it serves to distract/numb people from appreciating the security threat they may pose.

So bottom line we shouldnt 'pick' on Iran?

Are you the Iranian BBS police?

:wtf:

ElanthianSiren

08-09-2007, 06:18 PM

So bottom line we shouldnt 'pick' on Iran?

Are you the Iranian BBS police?

:wtf:

Is that what I said?

Gan

08-09-2007, 06:22 PM

Is that what I said?

I just didn't quite understand why this was even post worthy except to try to rattle the sabers over Iran.

That aside, I wanted to point out that it isn't that I feel all of your concerns about Iran are unfounded. It's simply that you seem to have a real zeal for pointing out the large and pithy shortfalls of this country.

You tell me.

(And I've yet to see you mention anything about the fraternization between men and women. You only seem to argue the merits of alcohol and drugs. You forget that the actual socializing and playing of 'western' music was also part of the OP, and part of the issue).

Sean of the Thread

08-09-2007, 06:22 PM

It is decriminalized though, isn't it?

Technically the answer would be no pertaining to your statement.

Latrinsorm

08-09-2007, 06:24 PM

To be fair, Gan, the title of this thread is "Iran detains scores at "satanic" rock gig", not "Iran has law that dancing is illegal" or "Iran forbids intergender fraternization", and you didn't include anything but the event in your first post. It seems more reasonable to conclude you were most immediately upset with this particular event than the laws in general.

Gan

08-09-2007, 06:25 PM

The title of the thread is the title of the article in the OP.

And LOL at you being reasonable.

Sean of the Thread

08-09-2007, 06:26 PM

Well it was directly related to men and women fraternizing AND their music AND their drugs and alcohol AND their religious choice. I'm sure they left their choice of clothing and haircuts out of the article on accident.

Take your pick.

Gan

08-09-2007, 06:27 PM

Too bad the party wasnt sans-clothes. That would have gone well with the article.

(Thats a hairy image to contemplate). :spaz:

ElanthianSiren

08-09-2007, 06:41 PM

You tell me.

(And I've yet to see you mention anything about the fraternization between men and women. You only seem to argue the merits of alcohol and drugs. You forget that the actual socializing and playing of 'western' music was also part of the OP, and part of the issue).

Au contraire, sir! I mentioned that the laws you're taking issue with are Muslim in nature. That law, is likewise, based on a portion of the Koran, I believe, which discusses proper relations between non related males and females.

It didn't say western music is banned, simply frowned upon in the OP. I got the impression that thing that WAS banned, as it was also confiscated, was western womanly dress, (man I bet trannys have it hard over there). That also seems to tie in with the whole religious basis of law.

I wanted to know how this ties into the larger threat that Iran plays on the world stage today. That, I don't have an answer for, but it does worry me that media is so wrapped up in criticizing Iran's social workings when our leaders seem reasonably sure they're working on nuclear weapons. My point was, if we keep rattling the sabers constantly over things like this, will anyone notice/care if it comes out that Iran is actually a threat (the boy who cried wolf argument)?

Sean of the Thread

08-09-2007, 06:43 PM

Iran is getting fucked regardless.. no need to worry about that at this point.

Parkbandit

08-09-2007, 06:55 PM

Au contraire, sir! I mentioned that the laws you're taking issue with are Muslim in nature. That law, is likewise, based on a portion of the Koran, I believe, which discusses proper relations between non related males and females.

It didn't say western music is banned, simply frowned upon in the OP. I got the impression that thing that WAS banned, as it was also confiscated, was western womanly dress, (man I bet trannys have it hard over there). That also seems to tie in with the whole religious basis of law.

I wanted to know how this ties into the larger threat that Iran plays on the world stage today. That, I don't have an answer for, but it does worry me that media is so wrapped up in criticizing Iran's social workings when our leaders seem reasonably sure they're working on nuclear weapons. My point was, if we keep rattling the sabers constantly over things like this, will anyone notice/care if it comes out that Iran is actually a threat (the boy who cried wolf argument)?

Way to really dumb up a pretty funny thread.