Saudis release boy detained for Macarena street dance
A 14-YEAR-OLD boy who was arrested after footage emerged of him dancing the Macarena in the street at a busy road junction has been released by Saudi authorities.
The footage was filmed some time ago but went viral this week, prompting police in the conservative kingdom to detain the teenager.
The interior ministry said the boy, who has not been named, was released yesterday without charge after he and his guardian were questioned about his “improper public behaviour”.
“They signed a written pledge that the teen will not engage in behaviour that could endanger his life and the life of others again,” the ministry said.
In a 45-second video clip, shared widely on social media, the boy stops halfway across the road and starts the well-known dance routine.
Some online viewers called him “a legend” and “hero”, others apparently agreed with the Saudi authorities, stating that his behaviour was “immoral”.