Prominent Iranian director Jafar Panahi has scheduled a hearing date as part of his appeal against a recent prison sentence imposed by the Tehran Revolutionary Court. The hearing is set for January 4, 2026, following his conviction for “propaganda activities against the regime” on December 1, 2023.
Panahi received a one-year prison sentence in absentia, along with a two-year travel ban and restrictions preventing him from joining any political or social groups. His lawyer, Mostafa Nili, shared the news on social media, though he did not confirm whether Panahi would be present for the upcoming hearing.
This latest legal challenge comes after Panahi’s significant achievements in the film industry. His recent work, It Was Just an Accident, won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022. The film tells the gripping story of an ex-political prisoner who kidnaps a man he believes to be his torturer, raising profound questions about justice, forgiveness, and the oppressive nature of Iran’s governance.
Panahi’s history with Iranian authorities has been tumultuous. He was arrested in 2022 after visiting the prosecutor’s office to inquire about fellow filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, who had been detained for protesting against the regime. Following his arrest, Panahi endured imprisonment at the notorious Evin Prison until his release in early 2023, which came only after he undertook a hunger strike.
The director’s previous conviction in 2010 for anti-government activities lingered over him, but it had not been enforced until his inquiry about Rasoulof. Ultimately, the courts ruled that the 2010 conviction could not be acted upon due to the government’s delay in enforcement.
Since his release, Panahi has been actively promoting It Was Just an Accident on the film festival circuit. The film is not only a critical success but has also been selected as France’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards. It has garnered multiple nominations, including four Golden Globes, and secured three Gotham Awards, highlighting Panahi’s resilience and the powerful messages embedded in his work.
As the January hearing approaches, the international community will be watching closely, eager to see how Panahi’s situation unfolds in a country where artistic expression often faces formidable challenges.
