Jafar Panahi, the prominent Iranian filmmaker and former political prisoner, has had an earlier in absentia conviction upheld after his request for a retrial was rejected by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. Under the ruling, he has been sentenced to one year in prison. The court also imposed additional restrictions, including a two-year travel ban and a prohibition on membership in political and social groups.

According to Emtedad, citing Panahi’s lawyer, Mostafa Nili, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, upheld the original verdict without modification.

According to information published about the case, the evidence cited in support of the charge of disseminating propaganda against the Islamic Republic included support for several prisoners convicted of political and national security offenses, expressions of support for nationwide protests and the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, the signing and publication of a statement regarding a truck drivers’ strike, the sharing of content opposing the issuance and implementation of death sentences, and activities related to filmmaking.

Over the years, Panahi has repeatedly faced prosecution and various restrictions in connection with his artistic work and public expression. The confirmation of this sentence marks the latest legal action against him in a pattern of measures that has affected both his professional career and public activities for many years.

According to his lawyer, the ruling can be appealed before the Tehran Province Court of Appeals within 20 days of notification.

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