A concert sparked a political scandal as Reformists and hardliners in Iran both support the initiative but foreign-based dissidents have fiercely criticized it.
The event’s sudden cancellation followed by a potential move to a stadium have underscored the authorities’ push for controlled cultural expression and national unity after the war with Israel, comment multiple local sources.
It all started on September 1st, when famous artist Homayoun Shajarian announced a free outdoor concert in the Iranian capital’s iconic Azadi Square on Sept. 5. After 2 days, Shajarian said the concert had been cancelled and that his team had been barred from moving equipment into the square, for two days. He also said “the ability to manage a million-strong crowd for this performance does not exist.”
His words were interpreted by Iranians on social media as a critique of the authorities’ capacity. Others went further saying the regime was in fact afraid of such a huge number of Iranians gathering in one place, at a moment it feels vulnerable, after this summer Israeli and American attacks.
Videos could be seen online purportedly showing Tehran Municipality workers closing the gates to the square, reportedly to prevent setup of audio gear.
Then, hardliner Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani, announced that a cabinet meeting had decided to move the concert to Azadi Stadium. A deputy of the mayor had earlier accuzed the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance of “lack of coordination and planning,” and said that the municipality was ready to hold the event at a suitable venue. Then the Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani stated that the administration of Reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian supported the concert, adding that such cultural expressions are achievable if all relevant institutions cooperate.
The news of the concert received mostly positive reactions in Iranian media, both reformist, and conservative and also hardline, notably press controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), usually not favorable to such public events.
But some Iranian activists abroad criticized the event and the vocalist, accusing him of siding with the government. But Shajarian insisted it was “not an effort to cover up problems, but to provide a moment of good feelings to people who deserve joy.”
The controversy surrounding the planned concert is proof of the intense political controversies in Iran, especially after the 12-day war with Israel in June. The Pezeshkian administration has been trying to promote national unity and rise public morale through cultural openings in order to foster social cohesion after a period of conflict and economic hardships, expected only to increase under the prospect of UN sanctions, triggered by the E3 recently. The concert controversy also shows, according to observers, the delicate balance Iranian authorities face in allowing controlled public cultural events amid political rivalry and societal tensions, in the aftermath of the 12-day war with Israel.
