Oscar-Nominated Screenwriter Arrested in Iran for Criticizing Regime

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Ephrat LivniFebruary 2, 2026 at 03:43 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Iranian screenwriter Mehdi Mahmoudian, co-writer of the Oscar-nominated film "It Was Just an Accident," was arrested in Iran on Saturday after signing a letter criticizing the government's crackdown on protesters. Mahmoudian and other signatories, including lawyers, artists, and activists, blamed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for the killings and arrests of thousands of protesters demonstrating against economic hardship and calling for government change. The letter held Khamenei accountable for the government's violent response and the "repressive structure of the regime." While the specific charges and location of detention remain unclear, Mahmoudian briefly contacted his family to confirm his arrest and health. The arrests follow over a month of demonstrations in Tehran that have been met with deadly force.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Donald Trump 40% Hossein Razzagh 40% United States 40% Human Rights Activists News Agency 60% Tehran ×260% BBC Persian ×260% Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ×270% Mehdi Mahmoudian ×790% Iran ×490%

Keywords

arrest 90% iran 90% protests 80% crackdown 70% political activist 60% human rights 60% ayatollah ali khamenei 50% screenwriter 50% authoritarian regime 40%