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Iran Detains Oscar-Nominated Screenwriter Mehdi Mahmoudian in Tehran

The arrest followed his signing of a letter accusing the supreme leader of authorizing mass killings.

Overview

  • U.S. distributor Neon and film representatives reported that Mahmoudian was taken into custody in Tehran over the weekend.
  • Two other signatories to the same statement, Vida Rabbani and Abdullah Momeni, were also detained according to the reports.
  • Iranian authorities have not confirmed the detentions or announced any charges.
  • Director Jafar Panahi, a co-writer and signatory, condemned the arrest and lauded Mahmoudian in a public statement.
  • Germany’s culture minister demanded Mahmoudian’s release as the Cannes-winning film enters the March 15 Oscars with two nominations.