AUSTRIAN CINEASTES IN SUPPORT OF IRANIAN FILM MAKERS!

We are calling Iranian authorities for the immediate and unconditional release of our Iranian colleagues Mojtaba Mirtahmasb and Katayoon Shahabi, who have been recently arrested for practising their profession as film makers.

They are believed to be held in section 209 of Evin prison in Teheran, which is controlled by the Ministry of Intelligence. Their colleagues Hadi Afarideh, Nasser Saffarian and Mohsen Shahnazdar, who have been arrested together with them were released on bail, their cases are pending.

In recent month our Iranian colleagues have been faced with increasing repression: several film makers have been detained or face imprisonment: Marzieh Vafamehr, an award-winning Iranian actress has been sentenced to 90 lashes as well as to one and a half year of detention. The corporal punishment has not yet been executed.

In July 2011, security officials arrested film makers, Mahnaz Mohammadi and Pegah Ahangarani. Both women were later released on bail, their cases are still pending. They are not allowed to leave the country.

Internationally celebrated directors Ja’far Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof were both sentenced to six years’ imprisonment in December 2010. In addition Ja’far Panahi was banned from any involvement in film-making for 20 years.