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Malaysia arrests 96 Muslims in Valentines Day crackdown

15 Feb 2011, 11:59 AM

Minivan News

Malaysian authorities have arrested 96 Muslims in a Valentines Day crackdown on “vice activities”, reports Agence France-Presse.

The couples were detained for ‘khalwat’, or ‘close proximity’ to someone of the opposite sex other than their spouse, after religious authorities warned against the potential for immoral acts during Valentine’s Day.

Religious enforcement authorities in Kuala Lumpur conducted raids across public parks and budget hotels, as well as central Selangor state, on the lookout for teenagers renting rooms on an hourly basis.

Those arrested face up to two years in jail and a fine if convicted in an Islamic court.

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