Hearing scheduled after appeal against previous sentence
An Iranian court is expected to hear a case involving filmmaker Jafar Panahi later this week following reports confirming his return to Iran after spending time abroad, according to Iranian media reports published on Monday.
The ISNA news agency reported that the case will appear before a Tehran Revolutionary Court on Wednesday. Reports stated that Panahi returned to Iran on March 30, marking the first confirmation by media inside the country regarding his return.
Additionally, Panahi attracted international recognition after receiving the top award at last year’s Cannes Film Festival and securing an Oscar nomination for his film “It Was Just an Accident.”
According to reports, the upcoming hearing follows an appeal filed by Panahi’s legal team against an earlier sentence issued in his absence.
Case draws attention during ongoing film festival season
Reports indicated that Panahi previously received a one-year prison sentence along with a two-year travel restriction after authorities convicted him on charges linked to alleged propaganda activities against Iran’s clerical system.
Furthermore, reports stated that Judge Iman Afshari will oversee the new hearing. The proceedings also coincide with the latest edition of the Cannes Film Festival, which continues taking place in France.
Panahi previously spent periods in detention and has remained a prominent figure in Iranian cinema and public debate.
Additionally, his latest film, “It Was Just an Accident,” explores politically sensitive themes and follows a story involving individuals confronting a man they believe tortured them during imprisonment.
The film reportedly drew inspiration from Panahi’s own experiences in detention and attracted significant international attention following its release.
