Young Rappers Arrested in Iran
Reza Sayeh, CNN, Nov. 7, 2010
Police in Tehran have arrested several members of underground Iranian rap groups, the semi-official ILNA news agency reported.
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Police raided the homes, arrested the young musicians and confiscated “western style musical instruments” and several bottles of liquor, according to ILNA.
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“These groups use the most trashy, juvenile and street-like words and phrases that have no place in proper grammar,” the police chief told ILNA. “More importantly, they have no regard for the law, principles, proper behavior and language.”
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In Iran, rap and rock music is not a serious crime but is considered un-Islamic. Ignoring the laws against playing rap and rock music can lead to accusations of Satan worship and sentences of flogging or a night in jail.
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Sajedinia accused Iran’s underground rap scene of spreading profanity and poisoning young minds. He called for an increase in traditional Iranian music to counter the influence of rap music, ILNA reported.
“Those who have been arrested are among those who have veered away from proper behavior, who have distanced themselves from all of life’s hardships and are in search of comforts that have no limits,” he said.
