Independent Filmmakers Association: Rasoulof's Sentence Shows That the Law of the Islamic Republic is Merely a Tool for Stubbornness and Revenge Against Opponents

Following the announcement of an 8-year prison sentence, lashes, fines, and confiscation of property for Mohammad Rasoulof, the Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran condemned it strongly, stating that this ruling once again demonstrates that the law in the judicial system of the Islamic Republic of Iran is merely a tool for stubbornness and revenge against opponents. The statement criticizes the ruling authoritarian regime for suppressing artists, women, children, and protesters. It states that these oppressive actions are merely aimed at hiding the 'constant fears and the crumbling power of the government.' The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran emphasized that a government that suppresses and kills children and artists has no future and will soon collapse. This association also declared its support for Mohammad Rasoulof and other artists who have been suppressed by the government. Babak Paknia, a lawyer, announced on Wednesday, May 8, that the 8-year sentence, lashes, fines, and confiscation of property for the well-known director and filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof had been sent for execution. In a series of tweets on 'X', Babak Paknia referred to this ruling and stated that five years of this 8-year sentence are enforceable, citing the main reason for the issuance of this sentence against Mohammad Rasoulof as 'signing statements and making films and documentaries.' He added: 'According to the court, these actions are considered as conspiracy to commit a crime against national security.' According to this lawyer, the ruling against Mohammad Rasoulof was initially issued in Branch 29 of the Revolutionary Court and was then confirmed by Branch 36 of the Court of Appeals, and the case has now been sent for execution. About 10 days ago, Babak Paknia also reported the summons and interrogation of several crew members of the film 'The Fig Tree,' directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, and noted that they were told to ask Mohammad Rasoulof to withdraw the film from the Cannes Festival. The film 'The Fig Tree,' Mohammad Rasoulof's latest film, is set to be screened in the competition section of the Cannes Festival. This government-critical filmmaker, who has won awards at several international film festivals, has always been pressured by the judicial authorities of the Islamic Republic and has faced imprisonment and travel bans multiple times. Mohammad Rasoulof has previously participated in the Cannes International Film Festival with films such as 'The Manuscripts Don't Burn,' 'Lerd,' and 'Iron Island.' He was arrested and banned from leaving the country after signing the 'Lay Down Your Gun' statement in July 2022, thus missing the opportunity to travel to France and judge in the 'Un Certain Regard' section of the Cannes Festival. The International Coalition of 'Filmmakers at Risk' called for the lifting of the travel ban on the renowned filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof in 2023. The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran is participating in the Cannes Festival with works about 'Women, Life, Freedom.' The 8-year prison sentence of Mohammad Rasoulof, a government-critical filmmaker, was confirmed in the Court of Appeals. The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran stated that the Islamic Republic fears 'freedom of art and expression.' Independent Iranian films are a bane for the regime; the Islamic Republic is exerting pressure to remove 'The Fig Tree' from Cannes.