Overview
- Representatives for the film and multiple outlets reported that Mehdi Mahmoudian was arrested in Tehran on Saturday.
- Two fellow signatories of the letter, journalist Vida Rabbani and activist Abdollah Momeni, were also detained the same day.
- Iranian authorities have not confirmed the arrests or announced any charges against those taken into custody.
- The arrests came days after 17 figures issued a statement blaming Khamenei for mass killings during the protest crackdown and urging justice and the release of political prisoners.
- Director Jafar Panahi condemned the detention as international attention grows on the Palme d'Or winner, which is nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature at the March 15 Oscars.