Police in Iran arrest 6, show them on state television for making online video to song ‘Happy’

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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)

TEHRAN, Iran – Police in Iran have arrested six young people and shown them on state television for posting a video online of them dancing to Pharrell Williams’ hit song “Happy.”

The song has sparked similar videos all over the world. But 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.

Tehran police chief Hossein Sajedinia confirmed on state television late Tuesday that the three men and three women were detained over the video. State television also aired blurred pictures of the video and then showed the six with their backs turned to camera.

On Twitter, Williams said: “It’s beyond sad these kids were arrested for trying to spread happiness.”

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