Oscar-Nominated Director Jafar Panahi Jailed In Iran, Banned From Travel

A Tehran Revolutionary Court has upheld a one-year prison sentence and a two-year travel ban against Oscar-nominated movie director Jafar Panahi for spreading anti-government propaganda.

The court rejected an appeal by the filmmaker’s legal team, upholding a verdict issued while Panahi was outside the country campaigning for his film, It Was Just an Accident.

Under the confirmed ruling, the prominent filmmaker is also banned from joining any political or social organisations.

Panahi’s defence lawyer, Mostafa Nili, confirmed on Sunday that the court convicted the director for producing an “underground and problematic film against the establishment.”

Iranian authorities also cited Panahi’s public support for political prisoners, his backing of popular government protests, and his endorsement of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement as grounds for the conviction. He was further penalised for sharing a protest video online and signing a statement supporting a truck driver’s strike.

His lawyer disclosed that they have 20 days to appeal this final ruling.

It Was Just Panahi and activist Mehdi Mahmoudian who wrote an Article About an Accident while Panahi was serving 86 days in Iran’s notorious Evin prison. The film, which follows a former political prisoner confronting his alleged torturer, won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival last year. It later represented France at the Academy Awards, earning nominations for Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay.

Despite the legal risks awaiting him, Panahi voluntarily returned and re-entered Iran on March 30, 2026, following the conclusion of the Hollywood awards season. It