The spokesman for the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance described Mohammad Reza Shajarian's 'behaviors' in the second decade of the revolution as 'distancing' from the Islamic Republic and urged him to 'make amends' for his past actions. He also stated that 'the way back for Mr. Shajarian is open, provided that he is committed to the frameworks of the regime.' According to ISNA news agency, Hossein Nourollahi said on Tuesday, January 9, in a press conference: 'Mr. Shajarian is a well-known artistic figure who has made good contributions to Iranian art, and there has been no prohibition on his activities.' He added: 'Shajarian had a good presence and programs in the first decade of the revolution, but his behavior in the second decade caused him to distance himself somewhat from the people and the regime, and he is responsible for this.' Mr. Nourollahi emphasized: 'However, the way back for his return is open, provided that he is committed to the frameworks of the regime.' Mohammad Reza Shajarian, a singer and artist of traditional Iranian music, has criticized the Iranian government's treatment of protesters following the 2009 presidential election in various interviews over the years. In 2010, he stated in an interview with Australia's SBS television: 'When Mr. Ahmadinejad referred to those who went to the streets to protest as 'debris,' I also declared, 'I am the voice of this debris.' Amid the crackdown following the 2009 election, Shajarian released the song 'Language of Fire' (Put Down Your Gun), which supporters of the Green Movement made several clips from. The singer explained his reasons for presenting this song: 'You cannot talk with fire. There is no logic in a bullet... With this song, I asked those who were holding guns and shooting at the people to put down their guns.' In November 2009, upon returning to Iran, Shajarian was interrogated for two and a half hours by security officers at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport. The spokesman of the Ministry of Culture continued his remarks by stating: 'One cannot be a severe critic and protester while not accepting the rules and criteria governing the regime and still expect to work.' He added: 'Shajarian must make amends for his past behaviors and return to Iranian and Islamic music.' On September 7 of this year, Mohammad Reza Shajarian stated in a press conference 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.' This famous Iranian singer announced that if conditions are favorable, he would return to the stage after five years without a concert in Iran. 'The film 'House of Father' has not been banned' Mr. Nourollahi further stated in his press conference that the film 'House of Father' has not been banned but its screening has been postponed. He added: 'Our view of this film is not political and security-related but cultural. Although removing its violent scene harms the film's flow, we will screen it for specific audiences.' Ali Jannati, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, in his latest remarks regarding the film 'House of Father,' announced that this film is not amendable for public screening but may be screened in a limited capacity. The main criticisms of the film 'House of Father' relate to the first episode, in which a father and his fifteen-year-old son murder the family's daughter over honor-related issues and bury her in the basement of the house. The spokesman of the Ministry of Culture also commented on the renewal of the license for the 'Iranian Hope' publishing house managed by Jamileh Kadivar, stating that there is no legal prohibition for this publishing house's activities. He stated: 'As long as there is no legal prohibition for an individual, the government cannot resist citizens' requests.' Mr. Nourollahi emphasized: 'On the other hand, the government's policy is to create a foundation for those who have distanced themselves from the regime but have no legal issues to return.' Jamileh Kadivar was a representative in the sixth parliament and a supporter of Mehdi Karroubi in the 2009 presidential election. She is also the wife of Attaollah Mohajerani, the Minister of Culture in the first term of Mohammad Khatami's presidency.
Spokesman of Iran's Ministry of Culture: Shajarian Has Distanced Himself from the Regime
The Iranian Ministry of Culture's spokesman criticized Mohammad Reza Shajarian for distancing himself from the regime and urged him to make amends, suggesting a potential return to the artistic scene if he complies with the regime's frameworks. Shajarian, a prominent figure in Iranian traditional music, has been vocal against the government's actions towards protesters, particularly after the 2009 elections.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Iranian Ministry of Culture's spokesman criticized Mohammad Reza Shajarian for distancing himself from the regime and suggested he could return to the artistic scene if he aligns with the regime's frameworks. Shajarian has been a vocal critic of the government's actions, especially after the 2009 election protests.
- Shajarian criticized the government's handling of the 2009 protests and released a song supporting the protesters.
- The Ministry of Culture indicated that Shajarian could return if he adheres to the regime's guidelines.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Mohammad Reza Shajarian is a celebrated figure in Iranian music who became a symbol of resistance after criticizing the government's response to the 2009 protests.
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Translation confidence: 85%