Motahari: We should not take sides against artists like Shajarian, the people's hearts are with them.

 According to FCNN, a member of the Parliament's Cultural Commission stated that excluding artists will make them more popular with the people, and added: "We should not take sides against artists like Shajarian because many people's hearts are with them."

In an interview with the House of People regarding the ban on Mohammad Reza Shajarian's image and activity over the past six years, Ali Motahari said: "The treatment of artists must be done with tact because they have a place in the hearts of the people. Suppose someone wants to confront them, the way to confront this group is not to exclude them, because in this case they will find a place in the hearts of the people more."

The representative of the people of Tehran, Rey, Shemiranat, Islamshahr and Pardis in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, regarding Shajarian's political comments in 2009, said: "Usually, criticisms or praises of artists are a little sharper and more emotional, and officials should not push them away with the slightest excuse; especially since there is a heartfelt bond between the people and such people, whether they are actors or singers."

He added: "In general, artists have a gentle spirit and their feelings and emotions are intense; therefore, if they make a strong political statement somewhere, they should not be dealt with forcefully and harshly."

The MP, stating that he does not like this type of treatment of anyone, explained: "We should not exclude someone just because of a comment; especially when it comes to artists. Of course, some may say that there were insults in some places, but in that emotional and passionate atmosphere of 2009, someone may have used harsh words, but they should not be taken seriously because it was not done in a normal situation."

Motahari described the treatment of Shajarian in line with the clashes of 2009 and emphasized: "We should not take sides against such artists because many people's hearts are with them."

In response to the question of whether there is a need to reconsider the treatment of Shajarian, given the change in the directors of the national media and the Ministry of Guidance since 2009, he clarified: "The Ministry of Guidance does not have a fundamental problem with Shajarian; the IRIB also takes orders from a specific group, and the change of director does not have much effect on changing its behavior."

While wishing health to the Iranian singing master, the member of the Parliament's Cultural Commission said about his relationship with Mohammad Reza Shajarian's songs: "Like many Iranians, I have a memorable relationship with Shajarian's songs, and I like his voice and most other traditional singers because they are influential and, given the fine work they have done, have been effective in promoting the country's culture. His songs touch the heart."