Saudi religious police kick of no-red-goods campaign to enforce Valentine’s Day ban
By Abdullah Al-shihri, APThursday, February 11, 2010
No Valentine’s: Saudi religious police see red
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 storeowners 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.
