‘Happy’ video arrests highlight tensions in Iran

By Ali Akbar, dareiniadam-schreck

Published May 21, 2014 11:40pm ET

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‘Happy’ video arrests highlight tensions in Iran — In this frame grab taken from video posted to YouTube, people dance to Pharrell Williams' hit song "Happy" on a rooftop in Tehran, Iran. Police in Iran have arrested six young people and shown them on state television for posting the video. While the song has sparked similar videos all over the world, in Iran some see the trend as promoting the spread of Western culture. And women are banned from dancing in public or appearing outside without the hijab in the Islamic Republic. (AP Photo) | Uncredited

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — An Internet video of six young Iranian men and women dancing to Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” has led to their arrests, showing how far Tehran will go to halt what it deems to be decadent Western behavior — despite the views of its moderate president.

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Censorship Internet Iran World