Iranian Culture Minister Ali Jannati says no other government body or judicial official can interfere with the concert permits issued by his ministry.
Jannati said Muslim clergy have differences of opinion about music, with some who deem it haram (forbidden) and others who don’t. He said, however, that his ministry’s guide on this issue is the direction of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, whom he described as an “art connoisseur”.
Jannati insisted that those who have been interfering with the concerts are “arbitrary and self-appointed groups that are trying to create a negative atmosphere regarding music”.
He insisted that the Ministry of Culture and Guidance is mindful of “protecting and conserving Islamic values” and any permit issued for music concerts has been the result of close consideration of all these criteria.
Jannati called on all governors to comply with the permits issued by the ministry for concerts and art events.
A number of concerts across the country have been cancelled in recent months as establishment hardliners try to undermine the reformist administration.
