Rouhani on the 'Happy' video sentencing
Fareed speaks with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani about the controversy over a video created for the song “Happy.” Watch the full interview this Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET on CNN.
You had six Iranians, young Iranians, who made this video of the song “Happy.” They’ve been sentenced to lashes, which have been commuted. They’ve been forced to recant on television. Why make them go through this punishment for making a harmless video about a song?
We do have a multitude of problems in the region and the world at large today than to speak about the prosecution of certain individuals. But, be that as it may, I as the president of Iran have been sworn and put there by the will of the people to protect the constitution. If the constitution is ever violated, it is my legal responsibility to take the appropriate steps and implement appropriate actions.
I don’t know the specifics of the case you are referring to, but perhaps in a country, a certain – in any country – a certain individual can be detained or questioned or put on trial. If it is done so, if this is done within the legal framework and if that individual has broken the law, then they must be prosecuted through the legal channels properly. If they haven’t broken the law, then it is a moot point.
You haven’t seen the video. It’s completely harmless.
No.
@fareedzakaria on Twitter
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this video that these students made. Not one thing.
There is no scantily-clad women, no twerking, nothing untoward. Just some happy students that looked like they were very happy they were alive. Exuberant. It was very sweet.
WHAT IF: A happy video was made after gang r@ping in India....would that be acceptable? From my perch, No.
If you do not know what this story is alluding to, look it up. It isn't "a happy video." It is a story about students making a video to the song "Happy".
Recant what? "I am sorry I was happy; it will not happen again. I repudiate all happiness. Forgive me for being happy."
8=>(_|_)
" I am sorry for being happy"
Don't worry, be happy. Wuh ? Don't worry ?!? DON'T WORRY !!!??? Like fu–!! Ya get whipped for that sh–!!!
What's wrong with being happy? 🙂
Maybe he should get a few lashes for smiling? I can almost see his teeth! Sinful!
Being happy in the Islamic Republic is not encouraged.
Absolutely disgusting! Shame on them wearing ridiculous clothes and giving themselves the right to own and control lives and minds of everyone in the country. I hate the cult of islam and you just need to look around you to know why.
He says there are so many other problems why to talk about a small issue. Obviously lives of ordinary Iranians who are living under a harsh theocracy has nothing to do with Mr.President. Instead they prefer to talk about palestine and lebanon. Shame on these leaders who can't see a bunch of students sharing their small happy moments with the world.
It is important to understand that this dictatorship regime do not represent Iran or the Iranian people. They only represent the regime itself and the ideology of its nature which is against the Iranian culture or any kind of freedom. Therefore the truth is that Mr. Rouhani is the president of the Islamic republic (a dictatorship regime) and not the president of Iran. Talking to this regime is futile because they will not listen to any reason or logical point of view the only thing they understand is force and an imminent danger to their existence specially from a force (US) greater than their own. It is sad that Obama (the worst president) has given so much power to this regime when he could have completely stand against this regime and stop the nuclear threat from this regime once and for all and in the process bring stability and freedom to Iran and the region.
I partially agree with @ Sultan.
The USA's error regarding Persia (Iran) was made long before Barack Obama considered becoming president.
@ Sultan is correct is indicating the USA's military superiority to Iran.
There are USA influences, many from USA citizens, that wish to lessen this superiority of power. Some citizens foolishly want to turn USA power into plowshares and the butter of corrupted socialism.
Has India provided a date yet when plebiscite is being held in Kashmir?
Have you gotten tired of trolling your same old shit on every thread yet?
Did something crawl up your ayss? Chill. Go eat some samosas.
Be happy! Don't worry!
No, they are busy r@ping each other still. LOL
The Khmer Rouge trial and guilty verdict sends a loud and clear message to all those leaders who undertook genocides. Payback time.
It is time to stand up Modi of India and send him to The Hague to face trial of murders and genocides in Gujarat et al, India ..... committed against the minorities.
We shall never forget.
Happy a la India:
The metal rodding in India's culture is a psychological need to attain nirvana in terms of witnessing and partaking in human pain and suffering. Again deeply embedded in hinddoou preachings embedded in Mahabharata
He is apparently totally unconcerned about "the little people". I don't understand these people. They speak with forked tongues.