Some encouraging news from the Free Jafar Panahi campaigner Alireza Khatami has just arrived via Facebook.It suggests the publicity surrounding the detained film director's plight at Cannes this week - where he has been an absent competition juror - and his hunger strike have been having an effect.
"Jafar Panahi in his 5th day of hunger strike was finally able to meet with the judge, his lawyer and family. While he still not free from Evin Prison, its a small step towards it," says Khatami.
"The campaign to support him has paid off. Everytime we draw international attention, the regime in Tehran reacts. UNITY and SOLIDARITY works. Thanks to all people anywhere in the world!
"He is still on hunger Strike as his third request is not yet answered. His case has been passed to Revolutionary Court and he might go to court next Saturday.
"Meanwhile after great effort of Iranian and French artists in France there will be a group of 4 people representing France Ministries of Culture Foreign affair are going to Iran to submit the formal request for Panahi's release.
"thanks to all of you for all you have done so far.
"peace and light"
Yesterday the website Radio Zamaaneh reported Panahi's defense attorney, Farideh Gheyrat, as saying the Iranian Judicial authorities had shown some 'inclination' toward releasing the filmmaker.
"She expressed optimism regarding his release as early as next week adding that the rest of his case will be processed after his release," the website reported.
Panahi was arrested in March and on Sunday began a hunger strike to to press for “contact and visiting privileges with his family and assurances about their well-being”. “the right to a lawyer after 77 days in prison”, and “unconditional release until his trial and final sentencing.”
According to Panahi’s lawyer, the court has agreed to the first two demands and the third one is also in the process of meeting their approval.
Ms. Gheyrat added that the detained filmmaker is weakened by his ordeal but his morale remains high and appears to be strong and determined. He has reportedly met with his attorney and family twice and contrary to their advice still refuses to break his hunger strike.
3 comments:
Thank you for reporting on this, Lynden.
I'm pleased Panahi is getting the attention he deserves, for the right reasons.
(Unlike that other director with a problem whose name starts with a p)
And let's make sure that all the other political prisoners in jail in Iran turaffor no reason at all are not forgotten.
FREE JAFAR PANAHI!!!!
I liked Offside a lot when it came out, but I reference it every time I read some Panahi-related news. And like it all the more.
It's hard not to think of an administration that sees jailing artists as at least a little crazy. What the hell can the point be?
I hope he sees freedom soon, and I wish the same for the hundreds or thousands of Iranians who are under lock & key for equally preposterous reasons.
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