Ministry of Culture Spokesman Clarifies: Shajarian Does Not Need to Apologize

The spokesman of the Ministry of Culture explained his previous statements regarding the necessity of an apology from Mohammad Reza Shajarian, stating that his presence in the art scene is welcomed and that the issues concerning this artist are related to other institutions, not the Ministry of Culture. Hossein Nourollahi, the spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Culture, in an interview with the Tehran-based newspaper 'Mardom Emrooz' on Thursday, January 1, pointed out that some issues are beyond the decision-making scope of the Ministry of Culture, saying: 'Mohammad Reza Shajarian, as an artistic figure, has no problems, and if other relevant institutions do not impose any restrictions on him, the Ministry of Culture does not need to apologize.' These remarks come after he had previously stated in a press conference that 'the behavior of Mohammad Reza Shajarian in the second decade of the revolution caused him to distance himself somewhat from the people and the system, and he is responsible for this.' The spokesman also mentioned, 'One cannot be a severe critic and protester while not accepting the rules and criteria governing the system and still expect to work.' However, in his recent interview with 'Mardom Emrooz,' Nourollahi identified political and security issues as the main reasons for Shajarian's work ban in Iran, stating: 'We are not an institution that examines such conditions, and we seek inquiries from other institutions for granting permits.' According to the spokesman, 'If Mr. Shajarian himself makes efforts to resolve the existing problems, this ministry welcomes his presence.' In this context, a few days ago, Dariush Pirniaakan, the secretary and spokesman of the House of Music, described the statements of the Ministry of Culture spokesman regarding Mohammad Reza Shajarian as 'strange' and 'an injustice to the rights of music,' urging officials to speak more cautiously about him. Pirniaakan stated: 'Unfortunately, for years, a wrong stance has been taken against Shajarian. I believe these issues are beyond the control of Mr. Rouhani and the Minister of Culture; others have problems with Shajarian.' Amid the crackdown on protesters following the 2009 elections in Iran, Mohammad Reza Shajarian released the song 'Zabane Atash' (Put Down Your Gun), for which supporters of the Green Movement created several clips. Shajarian has also criticized the government's treatment of protesters in several interviews. Following this stance, he was interrogated for two and a half hours by security agents at Imam Khomeini Airport upon his return to Iran in November 2009. This famous Iranian singer stated in a press conference on September 7 this year that he hopes music will find its way, that good conditions will be created in the new government, and 'at least we can return to 15 years ago.' Mohammad Reza Shajarian had previously announced that if conditions are favorable, he would return to the stage after five years without a concert in Iran.