Iranian Police Arrests Parkour Athlete Over “Vulgar” Rooftop Kiss

An Iranian Parkour athlete and his unidentified lover were arrested last week not of their death-defying antics atop Tehran’s highest buildings, but for an “indecent” rooftop kiss.

Alireza Japalaghy, a popular Iranian parkour athlete, and his girlfriend were accused of performing “vulgar acts” and were taken into custody by police. Their arrest sparked outrage on social media, with many accusing police of taking swift action against a kissing couple, while real criminals are simply ignored. Despite facing criticism for their strict laws, Iranian authorities said that the couple’s unconventional acts went against Sharia law and needed to be dealt with.

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City Bans Dog Walking in Public Places to Discourage Dog Ownership

Authorities in Tehran, the capital city of Iran, have enforced a ban on dog walking in public places like streets and parks. The bizarre measure is part of a long-standing effort to discourage dog ownership in the Islamic country.

Tehran’s police chief, Hossein Rahimi, recently announced that he has received permission from the Tehran Prosecutor’s Office to take measures against people walking dogs in public spaces, such as parks. These measures include fines and confiscation. Apparently, dogs create “fear and anxiety” among members of the public, but many consider this recent ban to be yet another effort by Iranian authorities to discourage dog ownership. Canines are considered unclean or impure by the country’s religious leaders, and a symbol of the pro-Western policy adopted by the old Monarchy dethroned during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

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