Couple's Public Proposal Lands Them Under Arrest

It was a marriage proposal familiar to anyone who's attended enough sporting events or similar public outings. In this case, it happened at a mall, where a young man proposed to his girlfriend in front of a crowd of cheering shoppers, reports the BBC. She said yes and gave her husband-to-be a hug—watch it here. The only problem is that this all occurred in Iran, and the couple was soon arrested on charges of "outraging public decency." A police official in Markazi province blamed the influence of "degenerate Western culture." Both were detained but have since been released on bail.

It is unacceptable for young people "to do whatever is common in other places of the world and disregard mores, culture, and religion" in Iran," says the deputy police chief in the city of Arak, per the AP. The "offense is very clear and there is no need for explanation," he added. The couple was not identified, and it's not clear what punishment they might face. However, the semi-official Fars News Agency called for a "harsh" penalty for the "shameful" act. (More Iran stories.)