Overview
- Film representatives confirmed on February 1 that Mahmoudian was arrested in Tehran on January 31.
- Iranian authorities have not disclosed any charges or identified the detaining body.
- The detention followed a January 28 letter signed by 17 cultural figures alleging systematic killings of protesters and assigning responsibility to Ali Khamenei and the security apparatus.
- Reports say fellow signatories Vida Rabbani and Abdollah Momeni were also taken into custody.
- Director Jafar Panahi condemned the arrest, while the clandestinely made film competes on March 15 for Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature at the Oscars.