Lifestyle

Meet the ‘Rich Kids of Tehran’

Turns out, life’s not that different for Americans and Iranians — at least if you’re part of the one percent.

Rich Kids of Tehran, a new Instagram account inspired by the popular Rich Kids of Instagram, has amassed nearly 75,000 followers since its first post Sept. 13.

Similar to its American counterpart, Rich Kids of Tehran depicts seemingly affluent teens flaunting Rolex watches, Porsches and Maseratis, sprawling estates and pricey attire — except these kids appear to be gallivanting around the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The account has raised eyebrows for many, primarily for its inclusions of alcohol and women without hijabs (the traditional headscarf). Some women appear in short skirts, crop tops and even bikinis.

Per Iranian law, women must cover their hair with a headscarf and dress modestly in public, though it’s unclear if these photos are taken in public or on private property.

Alcohol is also forbidden in Iran, although many elites continue to drink in their own homes.

The Instagram account comes just months after the Iranian government cracked down on social media use. In May, eight Iranians received a combined 123 years in jail after insulting President Hassan Rouhani on Facebook.

In July, another eight Facebook users were sentenced to a combined 127 years in prison for posting propaganda and insults against Islam.

Most recently, seven Iranian youths were sentenced to jail time and 91 lashes apiece for posting a video of themselves dancing to Pharrell’s “Happy.”

Not that the Rich Kids of Tehran have anything to worry about: Many of the teens shown on the account are allegedly the children of Iran’s ruling class.

“Most of them have fathers who are untouchable,” an IT consultant in Tehran told the London Times. “If they get in trouble it will disappear.”

Note: The Rich Kids of Tehran Instagram account was abruptly shut down after publication of this article.