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Acclaimed filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof has made headlines by fleeing Iran to Europe. He escaped the Islamic Republic's judiciary that charged him with criticizing his country.

 This decision comes just days after he was handed a severe sentence, including 8 years imprisonment, lashings, and property confiscation.

In a scathing indictment of the Iranian government, Rasoulof denounced it as oppressive and barbaric. Through an Instagram post, he expressed solidarity with the cultural Iran, stating, "If geographical Iran suffers beneath the boots of your religious tyranny, cultural Iran is alive in the common minds of millions of Iranians who were forced to leave Iran due to your brutality."

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Mohammad Rasoulof

Rasoulof, is known for his award-winning thought-provoking films that often challenge societal norms. He described his journey to Europe as a "long and complicated, "ordeal. Without the details of how he escaped Iran despite the state sanctioned travel ban. 

The filmmaker's departure follows raids on his home and studio conducted by Iranian security forces. Arrests were made and film production equipment was seized. It is unknown how many actors and crew were arrested in the most recent raids.

This was the second time he has faced trial in Tehran's Revolutionary Court. In 2020, he served an 8-month prison term. 

Rasoulof's lawyer confirmed on X the sentencing, revealing that he was handed an eight-year prison term and lashings shortly before his planned attendance at the Cannes Film Festival.

The filmmaker's troubles stem from his advocacy for social justice. His first arrest was for supporting protestors following a tragic building collapse in Abadan. His lawyer revealed that Rasoulof's statements, social activities, and films were deemed a threat to national security by Iranian authorities, which led to the 2nd sentencing.

Rasoulof's was not allowed to go to the Cannes Film Festival, where his latest work "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" was set to premiere. The travel ban underscores the stifling environment for artistic expression in Iran. 

He received international acclaim for his film "There Is No Evil," which delves into Iran's use of the death penalty. But has repeatedly faced censorship and persecution in his homeland.