Iranian film director Jafar Panahi released from jail on bail
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The Iranian authorities have agreed to release the famous film director Jafar Panahi from prison on bail. He was sentenced to six years in prison for supporting anti-government protests in 2010. Earlier it was reported that Panahi went on a dry hunger strike in protest against the fact that he continues to be held in prison after his lawyer successfully challenged the detention.
The Iranian Union of Cinematographers said that Panahi's release was a joint effort of his family, lawyers and film workers. However, the director's release on bail is temporary.
62-year-old Jafar Panahi is one of the most famous Iranian film directors. His film "Taxi" won the Grand Prix at the Berlin Film Festival in 2015; The film "Three Faces" in 2018 received the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Screenplay. He is also a laureate of the "Golden Leopard" of the Locarno Festival and the "Golden Lion" of the Venice Festival.
In May 2022, Panahi, among more than 300 Iranian intellectuals and cultural figures, signed an open letter condemning the growing crackdown on freedom of expression and creativity in the country.
