Seven Iranian men and women have been sentenced to jail and 91 lashings for filming a Youtube video of themselves dancing to Pharrell William’s song ‘Happy’.

According to a report by Iran’s state-run ISNA News Agency, police described the clip as “vulgar” and an offence to “public chastity”.

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The group received suspended sentences of six months in prison, but said they were interrogated and treated harshly by police until they were released three days after their arrest, a report by Huffington Post alleges.

The clip has become an internet sensation, and has been viewed more than one million times.

The arrest of the Iranian dancers triggered an international backlash, with Twitter users creating the hashtag #freehappyiranians in an attempt to secure their release.

Singer Pharrell Williams also took to social media to condemn the actions of the Iranian police, saying on Facebook it was “beyond sad that these kids were arrested for trying to spread happiness.”

The group’s lawyer told Iranwire that he was happy the group had been released and the jail time and lashings suspended.

#FreeHappyIranians HAPPINESS IS NOT A CRIME! ITS A RIGHT!!!

— 1 DAY TMR (@HimarGlez) September 18, 2014

#FreeHappyIranians beautiful, Brave, happy, inspiring Iranians. wonderful People. pic.twitter.com/On1z9VmQMw

— isimsiz kahraman (@paralel_marelel) September 18, 2014