WhatsApp Logo Subscribe
For News Alert

News

Iran arrests two filmmakers for inciting unrest

July 9, 2022 03:41 PM


Twitter Share Facebook Share WhatsApp Share

Iranian authorities arrested two film directors for "inciting unrest" following the deadly collapse of a building in the country's southwest in May, state media reported late Friday.

Award-winning filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof and his colleague Mostafa Aleahmad were arrested over events relating to the building collapse, which sparked angry protests, state news agency IRNA reported.

"In the midst of the heart-breaking incident in Abadan's Metropol, (the filmmakers) were involved in inciting unrest and disrupting the psychological security of society," IRNA said.

The 10-storey Metropol building that was under construction in Abadan in southwestern Khuzestan province collapsed on May 23, killing 43 people and sparking angry protests in solidarity with victims' families.

Demonstrators demanded that those "incompetent officials" responsible for the tragedy be prosecuted and punished, while many faced tear gas, warning shots and arrests by the police.

A group of Iranian filmmakers led by Rasoulof published an open letter calling on the security forces to "lay down their arms" in the face of outrage over the "corruption, theft, inefficiency and repression" surrounding the Abadan collapse.

Rasoulof, 50, won the Golden Bear, the Berlin film festival's top prize, in 2020 with his film "There Is No Evil" but was unable to accept the prize in person as he was barred from leaving Iran.

His passport had been confiscated after his 2017 film "A Man of Integrity" premiered at Cannes, where it won the top prize in the "Un Certain Regard" section of the festival.



Most Read

  1. Fans go gaga over Sajal Aly and Iqra Aziz chemistry in latest photoshoot Fans go gaga over Sajal Aly and Iqra Aziz chemistry in latest photoshoot
  2. Islamabad turns into ‘fortress’ ahead of PTI protest Islamabad turns into ‘fortress’ ahead of PTI protest
  3. Punjab CM Maryam lays foundation of country’s first autism school Punjab CM Maryam lays foundation of country’s first autism school
  4. Diljit Dosanjh invites Hania Aamir on stage during London concert, sings 'Lover' for her Diljit Dosanjh invites Hania Aamir on stage during London concert, sings 'Lover' for her
  5. Army soldiers guard Islamabad, Lahore sealed ahead of PTI protest Army soldiers guard Islamabad, Lahore sealed ahead of PTI protest
  6. Strong winds, rain lash most parts of Punjab, KP Strong winds, rain lash most parts of Punjab, KP