Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof has been sentenced to eight years in prison and lashings just before his planned trip to the Cannes film festival. Rasoulof, known for his film “There Is No Evil,” has been targeted in a crackdown on dissent in Iran following mass protests over the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini. The Iranian authorities have not acknowledged the sentence, but Rasoulof and other artists had signed a letter urging authorities to “put your gun down” after a building collapse in Abadan.
Rasoulof’s lawyer stated that the judgment was issued due to the director signing statements in support of the Iranian people and engaging in social activities that were deemed actions against national security. Rasoulof faced trial in Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, known for handling cases without allowing defendants to choose their lawyers or see the evidence against them. The director also faces lashings, fines, and asset seizures as part of his sentence.
Despite the upcoming premiere of his new film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” at Cannes, Rasoulof has been sentenced to prison and other punishments. His previous film “There Is No Evil,” which explores the use of the death penalty in Iran, won the Golden Bear prize at the Berlin film festival in 2020. Rasoulof was unable to attend the ceremony due to a travel ban imposed by Iranian authorities.
Rasoulof has faced repeated prison sentences and film bans in Iran, where the government has long viewed Western-embraced artists as part of a “soft war” against its policies. Despite this, Iran has gained recognition in the international film circuit for producing thought-provoking movies that shed light on life in the Islamic Republic. Fellow filmmaker Saeed Roustayi and his producer also faced legal action after showing their film “Leila’s Brothers” at Cannes last year.
The crackdown on dissent in Iran has extended to various sectors, including artists, athletes, celebrities, and others who have been called for questioning or received prison sentences. The Iranian government’s response to protests and criticism has led to increased censorship and restrictions on freedom of expression in the country. The sentencing of Mohammad Rasoulof highlights the challenges faced by artists and filmmakers who seek to address social and political issues in Iran.
