May 30, 2017, 1:06 pmUpdated: May 30, 2017, 5:35 pm
A young Muslim man conducted a social experiment by going into Manchester city centre and hugging as many people as he could.
Carrying a sign which says ‘I’m Muslim and I trust you. Do you trust me enough for a hug?’, video blogger Baktash Noori spent the last few days seeing if he could win the trust of the public.
Baktash wore a blindfold, stood alone on Market Street and filmed his anxious wait to see if the public would take him up his offer.
(Like of Bako/Youtube)
And the surprising – often emotional response – by passers-by left him stunned.
The film shows dozens of strangers approaching Baktash for a cuddle.
According to Manchester Evening News, Baktash, who posts videos on Youtube under the name Life of Bako, said that he hoped that his film would show how simple acts of contact can make a difference – and unite the city’s communities.
(Like of Bako/Youtube)