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Iran Sentences Jafar Panahi in Absentia as He Pledges Return After Awards Push

The verdict imposes a one-year term with added travel and association restrictions, with an appeal planned by his lawyer.

Overview

  • A Tehran court convicted Panahi of “propaganda activities against the system” and issued a one-year prison sentence in absentia.
  • Attorney Mostafa Nili says the ruling includes a two-year travel ban and a bar on membership in political or social groups, and he will appeal.
  • Speaking at the Marrakech Film Festival, Panahi said he will complete the Oscar campaign for It Was Just an Accident and then go back to Iran.
  • Shot clandestinely in Tehran after his 2022–2023 imprisonment, the film won the Cannes Palme d’Or and three Gotham Awards and is France’s Oscar submission.
  • Neon and MUBI are releasing the film in the U.S. and U.K., with U.K. cinemas opening on December 5.