Iran: A couple was arrested for playing a role in a romantic marriage proposal in public

The Iranian police arrested a man and a woman after they both engaged in a public wedding. an act considered "contrary to Islamic norms"local media reported on Saturday.

The police explained that the arrest had occurred because of the "demands of the people"after the diffusion in social networks of the images of the conjugal engagement, which took place in a shopping center in the city of Arak, in the center of Iran.

A police source quoted by the local media said the agents had to intervene because "this degenerate act of Western culture endangered public morality".

"The two young men were arrested and brought before the judicial authority", added the source, who reported being released on bail until the "deliver the final verdict."

In the pictures you can see the couple in a mall, in a circle of rose petals, in front of a large group of people and surrounded by colorful balloons.

At one point, the boy puts the engagement ring on the girl and the current audience applauds, while she's excited and kisses the boy, according to the images broadcast.

In the Islamic Republic of Iran, there is gender segregation in schools, buses have separate parts for men and women, and subway cars have separate wagons according to gender, given the strict respect of Sharia, or Islamic law.

Public displays of affection are also restricted by law.