Mehdi Mahmoudian Released from Iranian Prison Amidst Political Turmoil

Mehdi Mahmoudian, the Oscar-nominated co-writer of the film *It Was Just an Accident*, was released from Nowshahr Prison in Iran on February 14, 2026, after spending 17 days in custody. His arrest followed the signing of "The Statement of the Seventeen," which condemned Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for the violent crackdown on demonstrators during recent protests.

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Mahmoudian, along with fellow activists Vida Rabbani and Abdollah Momeni, was arrested shortly after signing the statement that criticized the regime's actions, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of thousands of protesters. Each was released on bail of 6.5 billion tomans (approximately $10,000), a conditional release negotiated by their legal counsel. The charges against them included accusations of "insulting the Supreme Leader" and "propaganda against the Islamic Republic."

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"The Statement of the Seventeen," signed on January 28, 2026, explicitly condemned the Iranian government's violent response to protests, attributing the primary responsibility for the atrocities to Khamenei and the regime's repressive structure. Notably, the statement also included signatures from prominent figures such as Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi and human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh.

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Jafar Panahi, the director of *It Was Just an Accident*, expressed that the regime's actions reflect a broader intolerance toward dissenting voices. He stated, “For years, such charges have been used as tools to criminalize thought, silence criticism, and instill fear in society.” Panahi himself has faced legal repercussions for his activism, including a one-year prison sentence in absentia for "propaganda activities against the system."

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The arrests of Mahmoudian, Rabbani, and Momeni have drawn international condemnation, highlighting the Iranian government's ongoing repression of free speech and political dissent. The recent protests, which have seen thousands killed, injured, or arrested, have intensified scrutiny of the regime's human rights record. The situation has prompted protests globally, including a significant demonstration in Munich.

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• “Mehdi Mahmoudian, Vida Rabbani and Abdollah Momeni peacefully exercised their right to express their views, but the regime responded by accusing them of ‘insulting the Supreme Leader’ and ‘propaganda against the Islamic Republic.'” — Jafar Panahi, Director of *It Was Just an Accident*

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• “Turning a civil and peaceful act into a national security case is a clear sign of intolerance toward the independent voices of citizens.” — Jafar Panahi

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As Mahmoudian and his co-writers prepare for the upcoming Academy Awards, where *It Was Just an Accident* is nominated for Best International Feature and Best Original Screenplay, the international community continues to monitor the situation in Iran closely. The film, which combines elements of dark comedy and political commentary, reflects the harsh realities faced by many Iranians under the current regime.

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