Ministry of Culture Spokesperson: No More Concert Cancellations After Agreement with Police

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance recently commented on concert cancellations, emphasizing that "you can be assured that we will not witness the cancellation of artistic programs in the future." He announced that a memorandum of understanding with the police will soon be signed. The press conference of Hossein Noosh Abadi, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, was held on Tuesday, July 9. According to Mehr News Agency, Mr. Noosh Abadi stated regarding the positions of the heads of the judiciary and executive branches on concert cancellations: "We are pleased that the discussion of art has been significant enough for the heads of the branches to engage with it and consider its repercussions; the Ministry of Culture believes that the statements of the President and the head of the judiciary are not contradictory and that each of these esteemed individuals has approached the issue from their own perspective." The spokesperson also emphasized, "We will strive to alleviate these concerns, and you can be assured that we will not witness the cancellation of artistic programs in the future." On Sunday, July 7, Sadegh Amoli Larijani, the head of the judiciary, stated at a nationwide judiciary conference regarding concert cancellations, "Do you accept that a concert could lead to joint dancing among youth? The judiciary's discussions in some cities have also been of this nature." On the other hand, Hassan Rouhani, in a press conference on June 13, stated that when an entity has been designated as the legal authority for granting permits, interference from others in these matters is inappropriate, saying, "Everyone must adhere to the law and not seek personal interpretations." However, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture, in another part of his press conference regarding the memorandum with police officials, said, "We have had negotiations that have brought us close to an executive guideline, and we hope it will soon be signed by the officials of both institutions, and we will not witness these bitter events after Ramadan." Mr. Noosh Abadi added, "We do not deny the sensitive role of judicial and police institutions; their duty is to maintain order and security, prevent crime, and supervise venues, and without coordination and cooperation with them, it is impossible to hold an artistic program; however, all opinions regarding a program must be considered. Fortunately, the Minister of Culture has had discussions with the Minister of Interior that have reduced these problems." Previously, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Iran stated that the government is seeking to amend a resolution that "allows the police to intervene in certain cases, such as concerts." Ali Jannati, on Tuesday, July 2, announced his agreement with the Minister of Interior to clarify the duties and responsibilities of the Ministry of Culture and the police so that "no problems arise for holding concerts in the future." According to the Minister of Culture in Hassan Rouhani's government, in his meeting with the Minister of Interior, it was decided that in a "guideline," the duties and powers of the two institutions, the Ministry of Culture and the police, regarding concert organization would be specified.