An Oscar-nominated Iranian screenwriter has been detained by authorities after publicly criticising the government's brutal suppression of protest movements. Mehdi Mahmoudian, who co-wrote the acclaimed thriller It Was Just an Accident, was arrested on Saturday alongside two other signatories of a letter condemning what they described as systematic killings by the state.
Letter Condemning 'Mass Killings' Leads to Arrest
The screenwriter and activist was among seventeen individuals who signed a powerful statement accusing the Iranian government of orchestrating what they termed 'mass and systematic killing of citizens'. The letter explicitly criticised the authoritarian apparatus for relying on violent crackdowns to maintain power while disregarding fundamental human rights, including the basic entitlement to seek political change.
Oscar-Nominated Film Marks Creative Comeback
Mahmoudian's arrest comes shortly after his professional achievement with It Was Just an Accident, which received dual Academy Award nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best International Feature at the 2026 Oscars. The film represents a significant creative milestone as it marked his first released project since being imprisoned previously on charges of 'propaganda' against the regime.
The thriller explores complex moral dilemmas through the story of three Iranian political prisoners debating whether to seek revenge against their tormentor, reflecting the tense political landscape that continues to shape artistic expression in the country.
Growing International Concern Over Crackdown
Human rights organisations have expressed grave concerns about the scale of violence during recent protests, with estimates of fatalities ranging dramatically. While the Islamic Republic has acknowledged approximately 3,000 deaths, independent groups suggest the actual toll could be between 7,000 and over 30,000 individuals killed in the government's response to demonstrations.
Prominent Signatories Include Nobel Laureate
The letter that prompted Mahmoudian's arrest bears signatures from several internationally recognised figures, including Nobel Peace Prize recipient Narges Mohammadi and Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought winner Nasrin Sotoudeh. Other signatories comprise prominent lawyers, authors, and activists who have collectively voiced their condemnation of the state's actions.
Co-Writer Speaks Out From Exile
Jafar Panahi, Mahmoudian's co-writer who also signed the controversial letter but remains outside Iran, issued an emotional statement following his colleague's detention. 'I met Mehdi Mahmoudian in prison,' Panahi revealed, describing his collaborator as possessing 'a rare sense of responsibility toward others' and becoming 'a quiet pillar inside the prison' trusted by inmates across different backgrounds.
Panahi recounted his final communication with Mahmoudian, explaining that their last exchange occurred just forty-eight hours before the arrest. 'By noon the next day, there was no reply,' he noted, describing growing concern before learning through BBC Persian that Mahmoudian had been detained alongside fellow signatories Abdollah Momeni and Vida Rabbani.
Limited Contact With Family Confirmed
According to social media accounts associated with Mahmoudian, the screenwriter managed brief contact with his family to inform them of his arrest and provide a basic health update. However, he was reportedly prohibited from sharing further details about his situation or whereabouts, raising concerns about his treatment while in custody.
The arrest has been confirmed by multiple sources including Neon, the American distributor of It Was Just an Accident, and the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. BBC Persian has additionally reported that Mahmoudian has been able to consult with legal representation, though his current condition remains uncertain amid the ongoing crackdown on dissent.
