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Iran Confirms Prison Sentence and Travel Ban for Director Jafar Panahi
Iranian judiciary has upheld a one-year prison sentence and a two-year travel ban against director Jafar Panahi. Panahi’s lawyer announced that the court rejected the appeals, keeping the ruling fully in effect.
An Iranian court has upheld the previously issued prison sentence and travel ban against Oscar-nominated director Jafar Panahi. According to the ruling, Panahi received a one-year prison term and is prohibited from leaving the country for two years.
Panahi’s lawyer, Mostafa Nili, stated that the Tehran Revolutionary Court rejected the appeals and fully enforced the verdict. Thus, the penalties and restrictions imposed on the director remain valid.
Charges Cited by the Court
Speaking to Iranian media, Nili said Panahi was accused of propaganda against the regime. The case also includes allegations against the director for producing underground and controversial films, supporting political and security detainees, backing anti-government protests, endorsing the "Women, Life, Freedom" slogan, and signing a statement in favor of a truck drivers' strike.
The case further accuses him of painting a pessimistic picture of the country’s current situation and resharing a protest video. Panahi was also banned from joining political and social groups or associations.
Appeal Process and Previous Case
Lawyer Nili noted that Panahi has 20 days to appeal the decision. With the court’s final ruling, the original sentence remains fully upheld.
Panahi’s latest film is connected to the background of this case, which was initiated while he was outside Iran. The director faced a new legal process following the initial verdict issued in absentia while he was abroad to support the film.
Pressure Following New Film
Panahi’s latest film was his first production after spending 86 days detained in Iran’s Evin Prison. Previously, after being accused of anti-government activities, he went on a hunger strike and some earlier charges were dropped during the appeals process.
The screenplay was co-written with activist and political prisoner Mehdi Mahmudian, whom Panahi met in prison. The film tells the story of a former political prisoner who kidnaps a man he believes tortured him, and then debates with other dissidents whether to kill him.
Festival Success and Recent Developments
The film premiered last year at Cannes, winning the Palme d’Or. It was then selected to represent France in the Oscars and was nominated for Best International Feature Film.
Alongside Panahi and Mahmudian, co-writers Shadmehr Rastin and Nader Sivar received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Mahmudian was re-arrested this year for condemning violent crackdowns and was released after 17 days.
Panahi returned to Iran after the Oscar process and entered the country on March 30.
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