Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Oscar-Nominated Screenwriter Arrested in Tehran
Mehdi Mahmoudian, a screenwriter for the Oscar-nominated film 'It Was Just an Accident,' was arrested in Tehran.
He and 16 others signed a statement criticizing the Iranian government's violent actions against protesters.
The statement condemned mass killings, the use of live ammunition, and the systematic persecution of protesters.
Two other signatories, Vida Rabbani and Abdullah Momeni, were also arrested.
The film's director, Jafar Panahi, spoke out against Mahmoudian's arrest, calling him a moral presence.
Panahi described Mahmoudian as a witness, a listener, and a rare moral presence.
The film is nominated for best screenplay and best international film at the Oscars.
Mehdi Mahmoudian, a screenwriter of 'It Was Just an Accident,' was arrested in Tehran.
He and 16 others signed a statement condemning the regime's violent crackdown on protesters.
Two other signatories, Vida Rabbani and Abdullah Momeni, were also arrested.
Director Jafar Panahi criticized Mahmoudian's arrest, calling him a moral presence.
The film is nominated for best screenplay and best international film at the Oscars.
- Who
- Mehdi Mahmoudian, an Oscar-nominated screenwriter, and other signatories
- What
- Arrested in Tehran for endorsing a statement against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and condemning the government's violent crackdown on protesters
- When
- Saturday (unspecified date)
- Where
- Tehran, Iran
- Why
- For endorsing a statement that condemned the regime's violent crackdown on demonstrators and accused authorities of organized crimes against humanity
Iranian Government
Activists and Protesters
Violent Crackdown on Protesters
Iranian Government
The government justifies its actions as necessary for maintaining order and national security.
Activists and Protesters
Activists and protesters condemn the violent crackdown as a violation of human rights and a crime against humanity.
- Screenwriter
- Mehdi Mahmoudian
- Film
- It Was Just an Accident
- Arrest Date
- Saturday (unspecified date)
- Charges
- Endorsing a statement against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
- Other Arrested Signatories
- Vida Rabbani, Abdullah Momeni
- Oscar Nominations
- Best Screenplay, Best International Film
- Director
- Jafar Panahi
- Oscar Date
- March 15
- Number of Signatories
- 17
- Activists' Statement
- Condemned mass killings, use of live ammunition, and systematic persecution of protesters
