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Feb. 11, 2010
Associated Press
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia - The Saudi religious police are cracking
down on stores selling items that are red or in any other way allude to
banned celebrations of Valentine's Day.
A Saudi official says policemen are inspecting shops for red
roses, heart-shaped products or gifts wrapped in red, and ordering
store owners to get rid of them.
Such items are legal at other times of the year, but as February
14 nears they become contraband.
Saudi Arabia bans celebration of Western holidays such as
Valentine's Day, named after a Christian saint said to have been
martyred by the Romans in the 3rd Century.
Most shops in Riyadh's upscale neighborhoods have removed all red
items from their shelves.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not
authorized to speak to reporters.
