Jannati: We Will Prevent Vulgar and Degraded Cultural Activities

The Minister of Culture of the Islamic Republic emphasized that the ministry will prevent the execution of what he calls 'vulgar' music and any cultural and artistic activities that are 'degraded'. Ali Jannati, Iran's Minister of Culture, stated in an interview with Mehr News Agency on Friday, January 19, that 'the Ministry of Culture has precise oversight over cultural and artistic works in various fields, and these works, including music, are monitored.' Referring to the views of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, on music, he added: 'The Leader's jurisprudential opinion rejects any type of music that is frivolous and diverts people from the path of God.' The office of the Supreme Leader announced on April 3, 2010, in response to a query, that 'any music that is considered frivolous and appropriate for parties and celebrations is deemed haram (forbidden), regardless of whether it is classical or non-classical music.' On Friday, the Minister continued, 'The type of music that introduces us to mysticism and brings joy to people, filled with the works of great and valuable poets of the country, is approved by all, and no one can undermine it.' He emphasized: 'The Ministry of Culture will prevent the execution of vulgar music and any type of cultural and artistic activity that is degraded.' Mr. Jannati did not provide further details about what he considers 'vulgar music.' His statements come amid recent news about the activities of rap music groups in Iran. For instance, the online publication 'Haft Rah' reported on December 7 that after much debate regarding the legalization of rappers' activities in the country, a rapper named Armin Zarei (known as 2afm) succeeded in obtaining a permit from the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. Pyruz Arjomand, the head of the Music Office of the Ministry of Culture, stated in September in an interview with the Shargh newspaper that rap songs and albums that comply with the norms and regulations of the Ministry of Culture will be licensed in Iran. According to him, the officially approved title for rap music is 'Gofteh-Avaz' (spoken song). However, on the other hand, Hossein Nouh-Abadi, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, stated on Tuesday, December 18, regarding the holding of rap music concerts in Iran that 'we have not had rap music and we will not have it,' and no permits have been issued for what he described as a symbol of Western music that opposes Iranian Islamic culture. In recent months, the cancellation of several music concerts in Iran has also made headlines. For example, following the controversies surrounding the concert of the 'Lian' group in Bushehr and the gathering of a group calling themselves 'Ummah of Hezbollah', the performance of this group in Shiraz, which was scheduled for January 21 and 22, has also been canceled. Meanwhile, Mostafa Amiri, the governor of Shiraz, stated on January 17 that 'as has been communicated to the Director General of Culture in Fars, our definitive opinion is the cancellation of the Lian group's concert, and we will certainly confront any group that attempts to hold this program and undermine the fundamental interests of the regime.' The Minister of Culture also stated on Thursday, January 18, that freedom of expression does not mean 'licentiousness' and added: 'Writers and authors must write within the framework of the law and showcase their works.' He added: 'The Ministry of Culture will never issue permits for books, music, theater, and other artistic fields that may poison society; therefore, all artists must continue their efforts within the established legal framework.' Ayatollah Khamenei, in his first public speech in 2014, stated that 'freedom as a great divine blessing is completely different from licentiousness, indifference, and abandonment.'