United Iranian Director Protest Jafar Panahi Arrests

Detention famous Iranian director, Jafar Panahi, continues to receive strong protest. After protesting the Hollywood circles, is now director of Iran are united to protest the detention of his colleague.

A total of 85 Iranian director was protesting the detention of Panahi via an open letter to the Iranian government. The director was calling himself as an independent director. "We signed this letter to request absolve Panahi from prison," they wrote in the petition as quoted by Contactmusic, Monday (05/23/2010).

Panahi was imprisoned on March 1 last. He was arrested, along with children, his wife and his guests at his home for no obvious reason. Wife and children and their guests of Panahi had been largely freed. But the director who is often vocal against the Iranian government was still detained in Evin prison in Tehran.

On May 17 last, Panahi protest his detention. He demanded the right to obtain attorney assistance. He also requested the right to be able to get a visit from family. And of course Panahi also urged the release.

Panahi known for his films which won numerous international awards. Film 'The White Balloon', by Panahi, won the Camera d'Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The Guardian also enter this film in the list of 50 Best Family Films of All Time. While the film entitled 'The Circle' wins top award in Venice Film Festival.

The demand that Panahi release had previously voiced by the film maker Hoolywood. Actor Robert DeNiro, director Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, has signed a petition for exemption Panahi.

In Cannes film festival, the exemption Panahi also urged by the French actress Julliette Binoche and director of Iran Abbas Kiarostami.