Beijing cops detain "Spartans" for publicity stunt

They were dressed as Spartans, warriors known for their bravery in battle.

But Beijing police were not amused.

Instead, the cops arrested about 100 of them for "affecting public order", People's Daily China reported on Wednesday (July 22).

The foreigners, dressed in skimpy leather shorts, anklets and capes, marched through the streets holding food boxes. 

Some photos showed them in a pyramid formation shouting in front of a railway station in Chaoyang District.

 

SOURCE: YOUTUBE/ Gerryman2

Media reports said they were employees of a Beijing-based Sweetie Salad restaurant and were delivering salad to office workers and promoting the restaurant.

It seems  the foreigners ignored several warnings, so police officers decided to accost them. 

 

 

PHOTO: TWITTER/ @PDCHINA   PHOTO: TWITTER/ @BeijingChinaRR

Sweetie Salad issued an apology for the disruption, Mail Online said.

They said:

"After yesterday's incident, we have all come to realise that we lack experience in coordinating major events as a start-up company.

'We have dispelled all misunderstandings with the police."

The company also said that it chose the Spartan theme to encourage people to eat healthy. 

Sources: People's Daily China, Daily Mail, YouTube, Facebook