German Minister of Culture Wolfram Weimer strongly condemned the arrest of Iranian screenwriter Mehdi Mahmoudian in Tehran.
“We see the detention of writers as part of a system that seeks to silence critical voices” Weimer said on Monday. He urged that Mahmoudian be released, arguing that art is not a crime.
According to consistent reports, Mahmoudian was taken into custody last weekend, but specific charges have not yet been disclosed.
Weimer highlighted the role of independent media, particularly Deutsche Welle, which continues to report on the situation in Iran despite censorship attempts. The network’s Persian‑language service provides millions of people with access to independent information.
Mahmoudian co‑wrote the film “It Was Just an Accident”, which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes last year and is now nominated for an Oscar. The film addresses state injustice in Iran.
