If you can’t stand shops filled with roses, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, teddy bears, cards and novelty gifts, Saudi Arabia is the place to be this Valentine’s Day.
The country’s feared muttawa — religious police — have launched a campaign to banish from the shelves anything that could be construed as a romantic gift. As Sunday approaches, they have been patrolling the shops and posting warnings in local newspapers to remind traders that anyone caught violating the ban will be punished. [Times Online] Read more
Quote of the day “We call on all believers and sensible people to say no to celebrating this day, since it contradicts not only the norms of Islam, but also recognised human morality.” - a statement from a council of Muslim leaders in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod region, who are calling for a “ban” on celebrating Valentine’s Day, which is growing in popularity in Russia. [Letters From A Tory] Read more
