Iran's hardliners crack down on musical concerts

A number of jazz and classical music concerts in Iran have been cancelled by the authorities because of their "corrupting" influence, diplomats say. The concerts had been arranged by foreign embassies in Tehran.

Two jazz performances organised by the Italian mission were called off last week only hours before they were due to start. Diplomats say the reform-minded culture ministry is being squeezed by anti-Western hardliners. "The culture ministry cancelled the concerts fearing there may be some attacks on the concert hall by hardliners," a foreign embassy official told Reuters.

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