TEHRAN, Iran (AP) – A state-owned newspaper in Iran is quoting the country’s supreme leader as criticizing the film “American Sniper,” saying it encourages violence against Muslims.
The IRNA Farsi daily newspaper published the comments in its Tuesday edition quoting Ayatollah Ali Khamenei talking about the film directed by Clint Eastwood.
The newspaper quoted Khamenei as saying he hadn’t watched the film starring Bradley Cooper, but had heard about its plot from others.
Khamenei reportedly said: “The movie ‘Sniper’ that is made by Hollywood encourages a Christian or non-Muslim youngster to harass and offend the Muslims as far as they could.” He also said Muslims have no safety in the West.
The newspaper said Khamenei made the comments three weeks ago. The newspaper did not explain why it was publishing the comments now.