Imprisoned Iranian film director Jafar Panahi has started a hunger strike in Evin Prison.
The director’s wife, Tahereh Saeidi, announced the protest on her Instagram page . In a copy issued by from his cell and sent to The Hollywood Reporter In a statement translated by the director’s publicist, Panahi recounted his recent imprisonment by the judiciary in Iran to complete the The six-year sentence imposed ten years ago.
Ex-Golden Bear winner Panahi, whose social issue films have been retaliated by the Islamic Republic, recounts joining other Iranian filmmakers in July 12 protested the arrest of two colleagues, only to find himself in Evin prison after being re-sentenced by a judge.
“This arrest resembled more robbery and hostage-taking than the execution of a judicial sentence,” Panahi wrote. The provocative director of the Venice premiere of his recent film No Bears added that he would refuse all food, drink and drugs until he get out of prison.
“I will remain in this state until my lifeless body is freed from prison,” Panahi added. His imprisonment has attracted the attention of international film festivals and activists as it speaks volumes about the national film industry and the repression Ongoing demonstrations surrounding women’s rights.
Panahi’s full statement follows below, as translated by his representatives.
July20 This year, Protest against the arrest of two of our
dear colleagues, Mr. Mohammad Rasulof and Mostafa Al- Ahmad,
gathered in front of Evin Prison with a group of filmmakers,
and decide some of us and detainees’ lawyers
Colleagues entered Evin’s court peacefully and we’re working with with relevant authorities and relevant investigators, when a Evin’s 1st judgment when the attorney came to take me to the judge implement. The young judge did not introduce: “We are looking for you in heaven at
, we are at Here you are.
You are under arrest!” Just like that, I was arrested and transferred to
1235292024 Evin Prison Execution Sentenced
Eleven year. According to the law I was arrested in 1988, ) After more than ten years of unexecuted judgment is becomes non-executable over time. Therefore,
this arrest is more like a robbery and hostage-taking than a
Enforcement of judicial decisions.
Even though my arrest was illegal, respected lawyers succeeded in
1235292024 violated the ruling of
in
resumed the procedure the Supreme Court, the highest authority in judicial cases, in 15 October1990 this year so they can go to the same branch reconsideration. Reference width. In this way, according to the law of
, with the acceptance of the retrial request and the violation of
Judgment, case was referred to branch, should I bailed out immediately; although we have seen it
It took less than 30 days from being arrested to being hanged The innocent young people of our country took more than 100 days to arrive at 1235292024 Transferred my case to the branch with security intervention
forces.
violates the Supreme Court’s based on the clarity of the law in the case judgment, the judges of the same chamber were
Obliged to issue a bail order to release me immediately after the case is over
Referring to the branch, however, by issuing a re-bail order, several persons were detained at
Months later, I am still imprisoned legally. With repeated excuses.
What is certain is the act of bullying a nd outlaw
Security agencies and unquestioned judicial capitulation
Authorities again demonstrate selectivity and Tasteful law.
This is just an excuse for repression. Although I know that
the judicial system and security agencies have no will
enforce the law (they insist), but out of respect for me
Lawyers and friends, I went through all legal means to get my
Correct; Today, like so many people trapped in Iran, I have no choice but to Protesting against these inhumane acts is for my dearest The possession of
is my life.
Therefore, I resolutely declare that I protest the extrajudicial
and the inhumanity of the judiciary and security agencies and this special hostage- Taking it, I have been on a hunger strike since the morning of
Bahman, I will refuse to eat or drink anything food and medicine until I am released. I will remain in this
state until my lifeless body emerges from prison Get out.
With love for Iran and the people of my homeland, Jafar Panahi.
2022
