Lawyer says award-winning Iran filmmaker summoned to prison

An Iranian filmmaker who just won Berlin Film Festival’s Golden Bear has been summoned to serve a one-year prison sentence over his movies, his lawyer said Wednesday.

Mohamm Rasoulof’s sentence came from three films he me that authorities found to be “propaganda against system,” his lawyer Nasser Zarafshan told Associated Press. Rasoulof’s sentence also included an order than he stop his filmmaking for two years as well, lawyer said.

filmmaker received order via a text mess from judiciary, Zarafshan said. Rasoulof will t turn himself into authorities and will appeal order, especially given ongoing coronavirus outbreak in Iran, lawyer said. Authorities alrey sent 54,000 prisoners on temporary furlough over concerns about virus spreing through country’s prison system.

re was immediate state media report about Rasoulof’s summons, r any comment from judiciary officials.

Rasoulof just won Berlin Film Festival’s top prize for his film “re Is Evil.” film tells four stories loosely connected to use of death penalty in Iran and dealing with personal freedom under tyranny.

Rasoulof wasn’t re to accept award Saturday due to a travel ban imposed on him by Iranian authorities.

Organizers left an empty chair and name sign for Rasoulof at news conference for his entry. Germany’s dpa news ncy reported that Rasoulof’s daughter, Baran, accepted Golden Bear award on his behalf.

Rasoulf has faced problems before for his work in Iran. In 2011, Rasoulof and fellow director Jafar Panahi were arrested in Iran for filming without a permit. pair received six years in prison and were banned from filmmaking for 20 years on charges that included “making propaganda” against ruling system, but Rasoulof’s sentence was later reduced to a year on appeal.

His film “Goodbye” won a prize at Cannes in 2011, but director wasn’t allowed to travel to France to accept it.