TEHRAN, Iran — Iranian authorities have shut down a cafe in central Tehran over allegations that it promoted “satanic” activities, local media reported on Sunday.
The cafe, located on Tehran’s famed Valiasr street, had hosted events featuring Western-style music that “provided a setting for abnormal behaviors,” the Fars news agency reported.
The Mehr news agency said police accused patrons of engaging in “satanic movements.”
A 14-second muted video carried by Tasnim news agency showed a packed venue where performers played guitars while some customers nodded their heads in apparent rhythm with the music.
Iranian authorities have long carried out raids and arrests targeting gatherings or networks accused of promoting “satanism,” and have in the past labeled some rock and heavy metal concerts as satanist events.
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The Islamic Republic has a history of targeting activities it considers contrary to Islamic values or influenced by Western cultures.
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