Two men who just wanted to spread a little joy were arrested by Saudi Arabia’s religious police after giving away free hugs in public.

The two men were taking part in a world-wide initiative known as the Free Hugs Campaign. The movement asks participants to hug strangers in public places in order to “brighten up their lives.”

The two men were arrested in Saudi Arabia’s capital of Riyadh by members of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice on charges of “engaging in exotic practices.” They were made to sign a pledge that they would not give out any more hugs in public.

One of the men - Abdulrahman al-Khayyal – has said he will continue to give hugs anyway, considering it an act of charity for which he is proud.

Other Saudi citizens spoke out on Twitter. One supporter of al-Khayyal Tweeted, "It's a free hug, not a free drug for God's sake!"

But others were not so supportive.

"Today it's one hug,” one person Tweeted. “Tomorrow it's a free kiss, and the next day it'll be free sex!"

Sounds like someone needs a hug.

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