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December 20, 2005

music

Ultra-Conservative Iranian President Bans “Indecent and Western” Music

Posted Dec. 20, ’05, 10:50 AM PT by Cyrus Farivar
Category | Music

story.iran.music.ap.jpg And in international news, for those of you who are going to Iran, you’ll probably want to leave your iPod at home — that is, assuming it’s filled with “Indecent and Western” music. (Hat tip: Melissa Koda) More after the jump.

Associated Press:

“Blocking indecent and Western music from the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting is required,” according to a statement on the council’s official Web site.

Ahmadinejad’s order means broadcasters must execute the decree and prepare a report on its implementation within six months, according to the newspaper.

“This is terrible,” said Iranian guitarist Babak Riahipour, whose music was played occasionally on state radio and TV. “The decision shows a lack of knowledge and experience.”

Music was outlawed as un-Islamic by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini soon after the revolution. But as the fervor of the revolution started to fade, light classical music was allowed on radio and television. Some public concerts reappeared in the late 1980s.

Western music, films and clothing are widely available in Iran, and hip-hop can be heard on Tehran’s streets, blaring from car speakers or from music shops. Bootleg videos and DVDs of films banned by the state are widely available on the black market.

After eight years of reformist-led rule in Iran, Ahmadinejad won office in August on a platform of reverting to ultraconservative principles promoted by the revolution.


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