Iranian offended by TV show

Press, 16 March 1982, Page 2

Iranian offended by TV show

PA Wellington Ayatollah Khomeiny’s representative in New Zealand, Mr Mohammad Sharif Mahdavi, has complained about a' television programme last week which he says mocked the Ayatollah. ’ The item, in “Not the Nine O'Clock News," was a song woven round the character of the Ayatollah and featuring a woman cuddling up to a character dressed as an Imam. Mr Mahdavi, an Iranian trade official, said yesterday from Auckland: “If these pro-, grammes are shown in countries such as America or Britain, we don't mind because we know those people are our enemies, but here it is strange because we believe the Government and people of New Zealand are our friends.

“Such programmes can create a doubt about whether New Zealand is a friend. Is it civilised to humiliate others? Is it civilised to make others laugh at our, religious leaders? If that is civilisation, we don't want that in our country. “If the people in Iran knew that on television .in New Zealand their religious leader was shown in that situation. I believe they would show a very, very harsh reaction against New Zealand.” “The streets would be full of people shouting. That is what we don’t want to happen. We know the Government doesn’t like the programme. I have approached some people here in the (Government) departments and they have promised to approach the people in television.

“I have also been in touch with our embassy in Australia.” Mr Mahdavi said.