Ministry reject reports of official “banned” artists list

Iran's Ministry of Culture and Guidance denies having published any list of artists banned from artistic activities. Ministry spokesman Hossein Noushabadi said, however, that artists should refrain from collaborating with independent foreign media.

"According to a 2006 directive, all forms of collaboration with foreign radio and television networks are prohibited, and artists are well aware that their work should not be shown on anti-regime networks."

Some earlier reports had indicated there was a list of 24 artists banned from artistic activities because of their collaboration with "Radio Javan, satellite programs and a number of offences in connection with concerts outside of the country".
Noushabadi said if the authorities are faced with violations of the ban on collaborating with anti-regime networks, "We will deal with it according to the law, and they will face problems with their future performances".

Some artists have complained about having their work shown on foreign websites and programs without their permission. Noushabadi stressed that artists should raise awareness of these violations by publicly denouncing the venues.