Motahari's Protest Against the Fate of Concerts in Mashhad Following Jannati's 'Retreat'

Ali Motahari, the Deputy Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, referred to the Ministry of Culture's decision to refrain from holding concerts in Mashhad as a 'retreat' and stated that Khorasan Razavi province is not 'autonomous' enough to be exempt from the law governing concerts. According to a report on Wednesday, August 17, from the House of the Nation website, the news agency of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Mr. Motahari made these remarks in response to statements made the previous day by Ali Jannati, the Minister of Culture, regarding the Ministry's decision to refrain from holding concerts in Mashhad. The Minister of Culture stated on Tuesday, August 16, that 'given the sanctity of the city of Mashhad, which is home to the holy shrine of Imam Reza, there were opponents of concerts in this city, including the esteemed representative of the Supreme Leader in Khorasan Razavi, whose opinion we respected. Although these concerts did not have any specific issues, we decided to refrain from continuing them in this city.' This position from the Minister of Culture came after strong opposition from Ahmad Alamolhoda, the representative of the Supreme Leader in Khorasan Razavi, who stated, 'Concerts cannot be held in the city of Imam Reza' and 'If you want concerts, live somewhere else; why choose a pilgrimage city?' It is noteworthy that no music concert can be held in Iran without the official permission of the Ministry of Culture, and the opposition from the Friday Prayer leader of Mashhad implies that he does not even accept the permits from the Islamic Republic's Ministry. Ali Motahari criticized the decision to refrain from holding concerts in Mashhad as 'wrong' and 'incorrect,' adding, 'The country is not a federal government; there should not be different standards for holding concerts in different provinces.' He also reminded Mr. Alamolhoda that Khorasan Razavi does not have 'autonomy' that would allow for 'special laws to govern there.' The Deputy Speaker criticized the Ministry of Culture for yielding to the demands of the Friday Prayer leader and hardline forces in the city regarding the holding of music concerts, stating, 'The Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance should not have succumbed to this issue.' According to Mr. Motahari, the Minister of Culture could be questioned in Parliament for this 'retreat.' He stated that 'it makes no sense to say that a province is exempt from the law' and criticized what he termed the 'special conditions of Mashhad.' This parliament member stated, 'Where did this issue come from? Such a thing makes no sense at all. If a concert has a religious issue, it is not permitted anywhere and should not be held, and if it does not have a religious issue, it should be permissible in all cities.' He also responded to statements regarding the 'sanctity of Imam Reza' concerning the holding of concerts, stating that 'there is no such thing as the sanctity of Imam Reza.' Ahmad Alamolhoda had previously stated that Mashhad is not a tourist city where 'centers of debauchery' can be developed. He also referred to requests for holding concerts in Mashhad as 'a show of force against Imam Reza.' He warned 'managers and residents' of Mashhad that 'they should know that this city has enough devotees and lovers who will not allow you to be free in planning and debauchery.'