Jafar Panahi, Newly Sentenced in Iran, Says He Will Return After Awards Campaign

Overview

• An Iranian Revolutionary Court convicted Panahi in absentia on a charge of propaganda against the regime, ordering a one‑year prison term, a two‑year travel prohibition, and limits on political or social association.
• Speaking during his international tour, including Marrakech and New York, Panahi said he will finish promoting his film before returning to Iran and reiterated that he rejects exile.
• Attorney Mostafa Nili disclosed the ruling this week and said he will appeal the court’s decision.
• Panahi’s film, Foi Apenas um Acidente, won the Palme d’Or at Cannes and collected Gotham Awards for direction, original screenplay, and international feature, with the New York Film Critics Circle naming him best director.
• The film is France’s official submission for the international feature Oscar and was made largely with non‑professional actors, centering on a group confronting a man they believe was a torturer.