Thousands protest Teheran regime at funeral of Nasser Malek Motie
The funeral of the famous actor banned by the ayatollah becomes manifestation against the religious leadership. Thousands of people chant slogans and songs. For the first time in 40 years, the official media publish his photos. Plainclothes police and security agents throw tear gas and shoot into the air to disperse crowds.
Teheran (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The funeral of one of the most popular Iranian actors, banned by the film industry in 1979, in the aftermath of the Islamic revolution of the ayatollahs, turned into a street protest against religious leadership. Thousands of people crowded the streets of Teheran on May 27 to pay tribute to Nasser Malek Motiee, chanting slogans against the regime.
The authorities had authorized the funeral procession for the famous actor, who passed away on May 25th at the age of 88 due to kidney failure. But speeches or interventions of a political or social nature were forbidden. However, during the function the demonstrators quoted [adapting] some famous passages of his films including: "Caesar! Help! They are killing the people!"
During the funeral ceremony the voice of a colleague of Malek, the Iranian actor Behrouz Vosouqi who has been living in exile in the United States for a long time, was heard. Addressing the crowd, Vosouqi recalled how the Teheran government has been banning actors and artists from the screen and stage for 40 years.
Many young people took part in the funeral services in the square, but they were never able to attend one of his performances. Among those present there was anger and discontent at the censorship imposed by the state TV, which blocked the broadcast of two recently recorded interviews.
He interacted, occasionally, with his fans through social media; however, these interviews were an opportunity to return to the general public on a state channel.
Before the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Malek Motiee was an immensely popular actor. He had appeared in over 100 films and television series. After 1979 he had appeared in only two films, and was then removed from the screens by the fundamentalists.
On the occasion of his death, the official media of the country were able to publish his photo for the first time in 40 years and to pay tribute to the actor on the front pages of magazines and newspapers. This "opening" boosted sales.
In recent months in Iran there have been numerous street protests, focused on the economic crisis and demanding more social rights (including the end of the mandatory veil). In the hours preceding the funeral the authorities had threatened repressions and use of force in the case of protests or demonstrations "that only play the game of Americans". At the funeral there were security men and plainclothes officers on motorcycles, who threw tear gas and pistol shots into the air to disperse the demonstrators. Witnesses tell, however, that people were not intimidated, continuing to sing "Shame, shame" and "State security forces are our shame".
Nasser Malek Motiee was buried in a cemetery reserved only for Iranian citizens who have distinguished themselves in music, art and cinema.
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29/08/2016 16:40
