Mehdi Mahmoudian, Oscar-Nominated Screenwriter for 'It Was Just an Accident,' Arrested in Iran

Mehdi Mahmoudian, who is nominated for an Oscar this year for co-writing the film It Was Just an Accident, was arrested on Saturday (January 31).

It is said he was taken into custody in Tehran after condemning the actions of Ali Khameni, the head of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Two others who signed the statement were also reportedly arrested.

Director Jafar Panahi released a statement after the arrest. He also was one of the signors.

Jafar released a lengthy statement on the arrest, which you can read in full below.