Iran cinema to ban Sweden films in local fests

In reaction to the desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden, head of the Iranian Organization of Cinema and Audiovisual Affairs says Sweden films will not be accepted for screening at Iranian film festivals. 

In an International Cinema Council meeting, Mohammad Khazayee said,  "We have decided to refrain from featuring or accepting Swedish films in various film festivals in Iran moving forward."

According to a media report quoting the Public Relations Department of the Iranian Organization of Cinema, Khazaee noted, "Islamophobia and attacks on the beliefs of Muslims are suspicious behaviors exhibited by certain Western security and [so-called] intellectual movements. Western movements have always sought to conceal their colonialist tendencies behind the mask of 'freedom of expression' by belittling, destroying, and discriminating against the values ​​of other religions, especially Islam."

He said, "Unfortunately, the ugly act of Islamophobia and anti-Islam sentiment in the West has been repeated once again. Instead of engaging in dialogue to better understand religious commonalities and the proximity of divine religions, the West has consistently fueled destruction, threats, isolation, religious animosity, and hatred."

"This is a misguided strategy that has led to the reactions by passionate, honorable, and freedom-loving Muslims worldwide," he noted.

The recent desecration of the Quran in Sweden has resulted in widespread condemnation and calls for respect and tolerance from various religious and cultural organizations globally. 

AG/AG