Iran detains film director Panahi

Iranian security forces have detained film director Jafar Panahi, winner of many international awards and a supporter of opposition leader Mirhossein Mousavi, Mousavi's website said yesterday. Tehran's public prosecutor confirmed Panahi's arrest but said it was not politically motivated.

Kaleme, Mousavi's website, said Panahi was held at his home along with his wife, daughter and 15 guests on Monday evening. Panahi's home was searched and some of his belongings seized, the ISNA news agency said. The director backed Mousavi in last year's disputed presidential poll, which plunged the Islamic Republic into months of political turmoil.

Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the Emirates Business 24|7 daily newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.