Wonderful news - the Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, detained in a Tehran jail since March 1 and on hunger strike for a week, has been freed, following an international campaign that climaxed this week at Cannes, where he had been due to serve on the competition jury.
The photo above of a gaunt, unshaven yet obviously happy Panahi was take yesterday at his home. smiling and unshaven.
A great result for all the voices raised in anger. However note that he was released on bail and his case has been referred to a revolutionary court, meaning he may still face trial.
While his supporters - who surely include every serious film fan in the world - celebrate, let it not be forgotten that pressure is still needed to ensure he isn't returned to jail.
Good piece at the Huffington Post by my friend Virginia Moncrieff.
Postscript 1.15pm: Message from Panahi to his supporters, relayed via Twitter - "I'm freed and beside my family and I believe more and more that : Cinema is Cinema. I thank you all"
1 comments:
It's great news Lynden! Keep hope alive.
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