GEORGE MICHAEL - WESTERN MUSIC BANNED IN IRAN

Western music has been banned from radio and TV stations in Iran, by President MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD.

GEORGE MICHAEL, ERIC CLAPTON, THE EAGLES and KENNY G have traditionally been popular in the Islamic state.

But, in a move which revives one of the decrees from the 1979 Islamic revolution, Ahmadinejad has ordered the ban, using his position as head of Iran's Supreme Cultural Revolutionary Council.

A statement from the council reads, "Blocking indecent and Western music from the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting is required."

Guitarist BABAK RIAHIPOUR protests the move: "This is terrible. The decision shows a lack of knowledge and experience.''

Films and TV series will also be censored accordingly, including a ban on foreign movies that promote "arrogant powers".

MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD recently provoked outrage by dubbing the holocaust a "myth" and suggested a Jewish state be created in Europe, North America or Alaska rather than the Middle East.