Jafar Panahi’s Lawyer Quashes Rumors Director Has Left Iran For Good
deadline.comJafar Panahi’s lawyer has batted back rumors that the dissident director has left Iran for good, following reports of his first international trip in 14 years due to the lifting of a travel ban.
Leading Iranian lawyer Saleh Nikbakht confirmed Panahi had gone on an international trip but said he was due back in Iran next week. “I don’t know with what purpose these people are spreading lies,” he was reported as saying in an interview with Iranian journalist Mansour Jahani. ”Travel is the right of all citizens and this right was denied to Mr.
Panahi, and more importantly to Iran and the country’s art, fourteen years ago, despite dozens of works and artistic invitations, each of which could be a page of honor for the country’s artistic community,” he said.
Nikbakht said the filmmaker’s love of his country was too strong for him to leave permanently. “Mr. Panahi, as can be seen from his works; He is in love with his people and country.
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