Two Saudi Arabian men offering free hugs to passers by on a busy street were arrested by the kingdom’s religious police.
If you have spent anytime watching online videos, you know giving free hugs is a thing now.
Two Saudi Arabian men, inspired by a YouTube video of one of their countrymen giving free hugs, decided to join the movement and offer some embraces of their own.
Looking to spread some happiness, they made some ‘free hug’ signs and hit the streets of a popular shopping area.
Not long after their campaign began, the duo was arrested by the Saudi religious police and their placards were taken away.
Formally called the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, it’s the agency’s job to ensure that modest dress is worn, women aren’t driving, and businesses are closing for prayer five times a day.
They’re also given the power to stop prostitution and fraternization between unmarried men and women.
The religious police charged the men with violating the country’s sharia law and cited them for engaging in ‘exotic practices’.
Both men had to sign a document promising they wouldn’t offer the free hugs again.
One of them told reporters that he was going to go forward with his campaign anyway.
He said he was proud he’d done it and saw it as a charitable act.
