Some shop keepers on Mirza-Shirazi Ave in Tehran on Wednesday dressed in Santa Claus outfit sat in front of their shops to bring joy and laughter to the people and also attract customers and shoppers who were passing by took pictures and encouraged the move.

 But suddenly State Security police approached Santas and tried to harass and cause trouble for them. People and shoppers intervened and subsequent clashes erupted. The State police had to leave while being booed by the people.