Pejman Jamshidi was acquitted of rape charges but ordered to receive 99 lashes for an "illicit relationship," his defence team said. The 48-year-old actor was briefly detained after an anonymous complaint in October and temporarily left Iran on bail. The ruling can be appealed to the Supreme Court and has sparked national debate about sexual violence and power dynamics in Iran's film industry, amid a tentative #MeToo movement.
Pejman Jamshidi Acquitted Of Rape But Sentenced To 99 Lashes In Iran #MeToo Case
FILE PHOTO - Iranian women take part in a rally under the motto "Sacrificed Girls" to pay tribute to women killed during the war. (is associated with: «Film star sentenced to 99 lashes in Iran #MeToo case») Stringer/dpa
Pejman Jamshidi, a well-known Iranian film actor, was acquitted of rape charges but sentenced to 99 lashes for an "illicit relationship," his defence team said on Monday, according to the Fars news agency.
Details Of The Ruling
The 48-year-old actor was cleared of rape allegations, but the court found him guilty of engaging in an extramarital relationship and ordered corporal punishment. Jamshidi's lawyers said the verdict can be appealed to the Supreme Court. The judiciary had not issued an immediate public statement on the case.
Case Background
An anonymous complaint was filed against Jamshidi by a young actress in October. He was briefly detained during the investigation and temporarily left Iran after being released on bail. Jamshidi has consistently denied the accusations.
Broader Context
The case has ignited a national conversation about sexual violence and power dynamics in Iran's film industry. Observers link the episode to a growing, tentative #MeToo movement that gained momentum internationally after the 2017 Harvey Weinstein revelations and has slowly emerged in Iran despite social and legal obstacles.
Legal And Social Hurdles: Public discussion of sexual violence in Iran remains constrained by mistrust, social taboos and legal barriers. Under Iranian law, extramarital relationships are prohibited; in particularly severe cases, convicted rapists can face the death penalty.
The verdict has renewed debate about how allegations of sexual misconduct are handled in Iran and the protections available to both accusers and the accused. Jamshidi's legal team is expected to pursue an appeal.
Help us improve.
