The Minister of Culture of the Islamic Republic says protesting artists should repent to return to Iran.
Mohammad Mehdi Esmaili, the Minister of Culture of the Islamic Republic, in his latest remarks, has welcomed the return of artists to Iran.
On Sunday, July 24, Esmaili said in Tehran, ‘How many of the artists who left have political and security issues? We have had artists who went abroad, engaged in inappropriate behavior, expressed regret, and returned. They are now present and acting in our films. This is similar to that artist; what’s the problem?’
The Minister of Culture added that if one of the artists repents after returning to Iran and before a court session is held, the court is obliged to even drop the punishment from them.
Esmaili criticized the approaches that prevent artists from returning to Iran and working, adding, ‘Fine them, say they are banned from working for two years; everything has a consequence. They say they are not allowed to come to Iran and are not allowed to work.’
