CNN: Iranian Director Mohammad Rasoulof Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison
Background
A court in Iran has sentenced acclaimed movie director Mohammad Rasoulof to eight years in prison and flogging for national security crimes, according to his lawyer.
Conviction and Sentencing
The court has found Rasoulof’s films and documentaries to be “examples of collusion with the intention of committing a crime against the security of the country,” as stated by his lawyer, Babak Paknia.
Besides imprisonment and flogging, the court has imposed an unspecified fine and ordered the confiscation of Rasoulof’s property.
International Appeal
Rasoulof, a successful filmmaker, has previously won several prestigious awards for his work, including a Golden Bear at the Berlinale festival in 2020 and a “Certain Regard” honor at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017. His upcoming film, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” is scheduled to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival next week.
However, ahead of the film’s release, Rasoulof and his production team faced pressure from the Iranian government. According to his lawyer, actors were interrogated and barred from leaving the country, and officials allegedly asked some individuals to persuade Rasoulof to withdraw the film from the festival.
A History of Persecution
This is not the first time Rasoulof has faced legal repercussions for his artistic expression. In 2022, he was sentenced to one year in prison and banned from making films for two years on the charge of “propaganda against the system.” Additionally, his passport has been confiscated, and he has faced multiple arrests in the past.
Reactions and Criticism
Iran’s Independent Filmmaker Association has strongly criticized the court’s decision, describing it as “invalid judgment” and emphasizing their support for Rasoulof and other artists who challenge government censorship.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Mohammad Rasoulof to eight years in prison highlights ongoing issues around artistic freedom and government control in Iran. As the international film community expresses dismay and solidarity with Rasoulof, the case brings attention to the challenges faced by filmmakers, journalists, and artists in repressive regimes.
