Iranian Writers Association Calls for 'Immediate and Unconditional' Cancellation of Mohammad Rasoulof's Sentencing

The Iranian Writers Association condemned the eight-year prison sentence, flogging, and monetary fine imposed on Mohammad Rasoulof and called for its 'immediate and unconditional' cancellation. In a statement released on Friday, May 21, the organization, which advocates for freedom of expression, described Rasoulof's sentencing as part of a new wave of intimidation and suppression of freedom of expression and other individual freedoms by the Islamic Republic. The appeals court recently confirmed Rasoulof's sentence of eight years in prison, flogging, a monetary fine, and asset confiscation, sending it for execution. This filmmaker, who had previously been imprisoned for 'propaganda against the government,' was released about 15 months ago. The Iranian Writers Association stated: 'Rasoulof has committed no crime that warrants imprisonment, flogging, and confiscation of property. The trial and punishment are deserving of those who have been plundering the property, security, and freedom of the people under the guise of governance for over forty years.' The association further described Rasoulof as a filmmaker and director who 'exercised his fundamental human right, freedom of expression, to voice protest and create art.' This government-critical organization also defended women's 'right to choose their dress' and the 'right to life and livelihood' of workers, addressing those who have turned 'law' into 'a tool and pretext for repression,' stating: 'They should know that nothing justifies oppression against the people, not even the law!' The Iranian Writers Association emphasized that 'any law that disregards human dignity, the highest law and right, is not worthy of adherence. A significant part of human dignity is achieved in freedom, and this is precisely the point that the government has attacked for many years.' This civil organization declared that freedom of thought and expression 'without any restrictions or exceptions' is 'the right of all' and demanded the 'immediate and unconditional' cancellation of all sentences issued against 'critical artists, dissenting citizens, and activists in various fields.' The sentencing of Rasoulof to imprisonment, flogging, monetary fines, and asset confiscation has also faced criticism from artistic institutions. Recently, the Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran issued a statement protesting this ruling, deeming it indicative of the Islamic Republic's 'instrumental' use of the judiciary to 'retaliate and take revenge on opponents.' The Independent Filmmakers Association stated: 'Rasoulof's sentence shows that the law of the Islamic Republic is merely a tool for retaliation and revenge against opponents.' The eight-year prison sentence of Mohammad Rasoulof, a government-critical filmmaker, was confirmed in the appeals court. The Independent Filmmakers Association of Iran: 'The Islamic Republic fears freedom of art and expression.' Independent Iranian films are a bane for the government; pressure from the Islamic Republic to remove the 'sacred fig seed' from Cannes.