World · Middle East · 1 hr ago
Iranian Court Sentences Jafar Panahi to Five Years and One Month in Prison
An Iranian court sentenced filmmaker Jafar Panahi to five years and one month in prison in a ruling made in his absence.
The court also ordered the confiscation of his assets and imposed two-year bans on travel abroad and social media use.
Panahi’s lawyer says he learned of the sentence after the filmmaker’s bank accounts were frozen, and says Panahi had returned to Iran in March without being told about a hearing.
Panahi has faced legal restrictions for years, including a 20-year ban on making films imposed in 2010.
His films have criticized the Iranian government, and his latest film won the 2025 Palme d’Or at Cannes and received two Oscar nominations.
The new sentence adds to a separate one-year prison sentence imposed in 2025 over accusations of propaganda against the government.
It is unclear when or whether Panahi will be imprisoned because the new sentence was issued in absentia and is discretionary.
An Iranian court sentenced filmmaker Jafar Panahi to five years and one month in prison in absentia.
The sentence also includes a two-year ban on travel outside Iran and on using social media, and an order to confiscate his assets.
Panahi’s lawyer, Mostafa Nili, said the filmmaker was not told about a hearing and learned of the sentence after his bank accounts were frozen.
Authorities reportedly said they could not reach Panahi because he was abroad, while his lawyer said he had returned to Iran in March.
The sentence adds to a one-year prison term imposed in 2025 over alleged propaganda activity.
- Who
- Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi.
- What
- He was sentenced in absentia to five years and one month in prison. The court also ordered asset confiscation and two-year bans on travel abroad and social media use.
- When
- The sentence was reported on October 27 and 28, 2026.
- Where
- Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, Iran.
- Why
- The specific grounds for the new sentence are not stated. Reports link Panahi’s legal cases to his filmmaking and alleged propaganda activity.
Panahi’s lawyer and defence
Iranian authorities
Notice and hearing
Panahi’s lawyer and defence
Nili said Panahi was not notified of a hearing date.
Iranian authorities
Authorities reportedly said they could not reach Panahi because he was abroad.
Panahi’s whereabouts
Panahi’s lawyer and defence
Nili said Panahi had returned to Iran in March and appeared before authorities in September.
Iranian authorities
Authorities reportedly said Panahi was abroad and could not be contacted.
Panahi was sentenced to prison and banned from filmmaking for 20 years, according to reports.
Panahi received a one-year prison sentence over alleged propaganda activity, according to reports.
Panahi returned to Iran, according to his lawyer.
Panahi appeared before a different branch of the prosecutor’s office, according to his lawyer.
Reports said the Tehran Revolutionary Court had sentenced Panahi in absentia to five years and one month in prison.
- Prison sentence
- Five years and one month
- Court
- Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court
- Travel ban
- Two years
- Social media ban
- Two years
- Assets
- Court ordered confiscation of movable and immovable assets
- Lawyer
- Mostafa Nili
4 sources
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