Iran summoned the French ambassador to express dissatisfaction over comments made by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who referred to Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s Cannes victory as a stand against oppression in Iran.
Iran Protests French Envoy Comments Following Cannes Triumph
Iran Protests French Envoy Comments Following Cannes Triumph
Iran's foreign ministry responds to French foreign minister's remarks on Jafar Panahi's Cannes win, escalating diplomatic tensions.
Iran has lodged a formal protest with France following remarks made by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot about the victory of Iranian director Jafar Panahi at the Cannes Film Festival. Panahi’s film, *It Was Just an Accident*, earned the prestigious Palme d'Or on Saturday, prompting Barrot to characterize the accolade as “a gesture of resistance against the Iranian regime's oppression.”
This commendation ignited a diplomatic dispute, with Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Mohammad Tanhaei, labeling the comments as “insulting remarks and unfounded allegations,” according to reports from state media. During a meeting with the French envoy, Tanhaei described Barrot's statements as “blatant interference” in Iranian internal affairs, branding the congratulatory remarks as “irresponsible and provocative.” He criticized France's lack of moral authority to comment on Iran, referencing France's stance on the situation in Gaza, and demanded an official explanation from the French government. The French envoy pledged to convey the message back to Paris.
Jafar Panahi has faced imprisonment due to his vocal criticism of the Iranian government. He served seven months of a six-year sentence before his release in February 2023 and has endured significant restrictions, including a ban from making films and leaving Iran. Nonetheless, he continued to film *It Was Just An Accident* in secret, depicting the struggles of five Iranians confronting their jailer, inspired by his conversations with fellow inmates regarding state violence.
During his Cannes acceptance speech, Panahi called for unity among Iranians, stating, "No-one should dare tell us what kind of clothes we should wear, what we should do, or what we should not do.” After making his first appearance at an international film festival in 15 years, Panahi expressed his intent to return to Tehran, sharing with reporters, “As soon as I finish my work here I will go back to Iran. And I will ask myself what's my next film going to be.”
This commendation ignited a diplomatic dispute, with Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Mohammad Tanhaei, labeling the comments as “insulting remarks and unfounded allegations,” according to reports from state media. During a meeting with the French envoy, Tanhaei described Barrot's statements as “blatant interference” in Iranian internal affairs, branding the congratulatory remarks as “irresponsible and provocative.” He criticized France's lack of moral authority to comment on Iran, referencing France's stance on the situation in Gaza, and demanded an official explanation from the French government. The French envoy pledged to convey the message back to Paris.
Jafar Panahi has faced imprisonment due to his vocal criticism of the Iranian government. He served seven months of a six-year sentence before his release in February 2023 and has endured significant restrictions, including a ban from making films and leaving Iran. Nonetheless, he continued to film *It Was Just An Accident* in secret, depicting the struggles of five Iranians confronting their jailer, inspired by his conversations with fellow inmates regarding state violence.
During his Cannes acceptance speech, Panahi called for unity among Iranians, stating, "No-one should dare tell us what kind of clothes we should wear, what we should do, or what we should not do.” After making his first appearance at an international film festival in 15 years, Panahi expressed his intent to return to Tehran, sharing with reporters, “As soon as I finish my work here I will go back to Iran. And I will ask myself what's my next film going to be.”
