We urge the Obama Administration to use its improved diplomatic relationship with Iran to call for the dismissal of all charges against Jafar Panahi.
Mr. Panahi is an internationally celebrated, Iranian film director who won the coveted "Golden Lion" prize at the Venice Film Festival for his 2000 film "The Circle."
Mr. Panahi has been sentenced to six years in prison plus a twenty-year ban on all his artistic activities—including film making, writing scripts, traveling abroad and speaking with media.
Panahi was convicted of "propaganda against the state" for having exercised his right to peaceful freedom of expression through his film-making and political activism. He is currently under house arrest and may be sent to prison at any time to serve his six-year sentence.