Iranian Court Upholds One-Year Prison Sentence for Filmmaker Jafar Panahi Over Propaganda Charges

Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court upheld a one-year prison sentence against filmmaker Jafar Panahi on charges of engaging in propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The same ruling imposed a two-year travel ban and prohibited him from joining political and social groups and associations. Judge Iman Afshari presided over the court that confirmed the original verdict in full.

Mostafa Nili, Panahi’s lawyer, said the grounds listed in the decision included making an underground and problematic film against the establishment, supporting political and security prisoners, backing popular protests against the government, and supporting the Woman, Life, Freedom slogan.

Additional grounds cited signing and disseminating a statement in support of a lorry drivers’ strike, painting a bleak picture of the country’s situation, and reposting a video clip of a collective performance of the anthem Ey Iran in protest at the issuing and carrying of death sentences.

Nili told the Iranian media outlet Emtedad that the ruling can be appealed to the Tehran Provincial Court of Appeal within 20 days of notification.

The initial verdict was issued while Panahi was abroad promoting the film A Simple Accident. A Simple Accident won the Cannes Palme d’Or and was selected to represent France in the race for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. Panahi returned to Iran on 30 March after attending the Oscars.

In 2022 and 2023, Panahi spent 86 days in Evin Prison on charges of propaganda against the state. He was released after going on a hunger strike, and his appeal at that time led to the annulment of the initial charges.