Iran sentences award-winning director Jafar Panahi to year in prison for ‘propaganda activities’

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Agence France-PresseDecember 1, 2025 at 08:59 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi has been sentenced in absentia to one year in prison and a two-year travel ban for "propaganda activities" against the country. Panahi's lawyer stated that the charges relate to engaging in "propaganda activities" against the state, but did not elaborate. Panahi, who is currently outside Iran, recently toured the US to promote his film "It Was Just an Accident," which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes and is France's official nomination for the Academy Awards. Panahi was previously banned from filmmaking and leaving Iran in 2010 after supporting anti-government protests. Iranian filmmakers are closely monitored, and their work is reviewed for content critical of Iran.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Cannes film festival ×280% Jafar Panahi ×9100% Iran ×5100%

Keywords

jafar panahi 100% iran 90% iranian filmmaker 80% propaganda activities 80% film censorship 70% prison sentence 70% travel ban 60% film festival 50% academy awards 50%