Reply to a Query [Ruling on erotic TV movies]

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

To the Great Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini- may his sublime presence endure,

Your Eminence's edict in reply to the question of officials of the IRIB regarding films and songs was a decisive answer to the ambiguities, soothing the mind of the people and officials. The remaining point is that you have stated that watching films is permissible provided that they are not erotic. The fact of the matter is that watching the uncovered body of players for many women and watching the figure and movements of many women in the films for most youngsters can be erotic. The question is: Are the officials of the IRIB duty-bound not to screen whatever is so to many of the people? As officials of the country, can we prevent them from producing and screening those films? Or, is such a duty beyond our jurisdiction and it is enough for us to tell the people that anyone who would be aroused by watching those films should not watch our TV?

Kindly enlighten me on this matter. May Allah prolong your honor and life.

Sayyid `Ali Khamene'i

Dey 2,1366 AHS

In His Most Exalted Name

Anyone who would be aroused by watching those films should avoid them, and anyone who would watch those films with the intention of sexual abusing will commit a sin.

Rouhullah al-Mousawi al-Khomeini

Dey 3,1366 AHS