Jafar Panahi sentenced to five years in prison in Iran

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi has reportedly been sentenced to five years in prison by an Iranian court, marking another major legal setback for the award-winning director, who has repeatedly faced restrictions over his criticism of the country’s government.

The ruling also reportedly includes the confiscation of all his assets, a two-year travel ban preventing him from leaving Iran, and a prohibition on participating in any social media activities. The decision was disclosed by the filmmaker’s lawyer, although further details about the legal proceedings remain limited.

The charges that led to the latest sentence have not been publicly explained in detail. However, Panahi has faced repeated arrests, imprisonment, travel restrictions and house arrest over the past two decades. His work and public statements have frequently placed him at odds with Iranian authorities.

The 66-year-old filmmaker is widely regarded as one of the most influential directors in contemporary Iranian cinema. Despite facing significant obstacles, he has continued making films that explore social realities, personal freedom and the challenges experienced by ordinary people in Iran.

In 2025, Panahi was reportedly sentenced in absentia to one year in prison over allegations involving propaganda activities against the Iranian establishment. Despite the earlier ruling, he returned to Iran in March 2026 following military attacks by the United States and Israel, according to the reported timeline.

Panahi’s continued presence in Iran has drawn attention because of his long history of confrontations with the authorities. Even when he was prohibited from travelling abroad or restricted to his home, he continued working on films, often finding creative ways to overcome official restrictions.

His latest film, It Was Just an Accident, brought him renewed international recognition after winning the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The award is considered one of the highest honours in international cinema, and the film’s success further strengthened Panahi’s reputation as a leading figure in world filmmaking.

The film was reportedly shot secretly in Iran, reflecting the difficult circumstances under which the director has continued his career. Before making the project, Panahi had spent seven months in prison. His imprisonment ended in 2023 following a hunger strike, which he undertook in protest against his detention.

Panahi’s career has been marked by international acclaim despite the restrictions imposed on him at home. In 2015, his film Taxi won the Golden Bear, the highest award at the Berlin International Film Festival. The film offered a distinctive look at Iranian society through conversations with passengers in a taxi driven by Panahi himself.

Earlier, in 2000, his film The Circle received the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. The film examined the difficulties faced by women in Iranian society and became another important milestone in his internationally recognised career.

Winning the Palme d’Or, Golden Bear and Golden Lion places Panahi among a select group of filmmakers who have received the top prizes at Europe’s three major film festivals, commonly known as the Big Three. These honours have established him as one of the most celebrated directors of his generation.

The latest reported sentence raises fresh concerns about the future of Panahi’s filmmaking career and his ability to continue presenting his work internationally. With restrictions on travel, social media activity and personal assets reportedly included in the ruling, the decision could significantly affect both his professional activities and personal freedom.

Despite years of legal challenges and restrictions, Panahi has continued to receive recognition from the international film community. His latest case once again highlights the challenges faced by filmmakers whose work or public positions bring them into conflict with political authorities.