ISRAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN：
BEHROUZ GHOBADI RELEASED

Behrouz Ghobadi, brother of internationally acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Bahman Ghobadi, has been released, after a campaign that engaged prominent Hollywood directors, actors and independent filmmakers.

Behrouz Ghobadi was released on 22 January, following the action of Amnesty International’s global membership and a campaign by Amnesty International USA that engaged a number of prominent Hollywood directors, actors, and filmmakers who took action by joining the campaign and signing petitions demanding his release.

Behrouz Ghobadi had been arrested in the early hours of 4 November 2012 by men believed to be from the Ministry of intelligence, and held incommunicado in an undisclosed location until his release. It appears that he was questioned regarding alleged activities against national security but his family have maintained his innocence as he is not affiliated with any political groups and has not been involved in any political activities.

Behrouz Ghobadi is the younger brother of Bahman Ghobadi, an outspoken internationally acclaimed filmmaker who is living in exile. Behrouz Ghobadi has directed three short films titled That Man, Hunt and Those Two People, and has worked as an executive producer and production manager for six of his brother’s films.

No further action is requested from the UA network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.

This is the first update of UA 339/12. Further information: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/MDE13/069/2012/en

Further information on UA: 339/12 Index: MDE 13/005/2013 Issue Date: 4 February 2013