Iranian Appeals Court Gives Filmmaker Year Sentence, Lashes

Keyvan Karimi (file photo)

An Iranian filmmaker says an appeals court had sentenced him to a year in prison, reducing his initial sentence of six years for "insulting sanctities" and "spreading propaganda."

Keywan Karimi, 30, said on February 22 that he would still receive 223 lashes as stipulated in last year's original sentence.

He added that the appeals court decision was final and could not be appealed.

Karimi has said the sentence stems from an unspecified "video clip" and a documentary he directed about political graffiti in Tehran, titled Writing On The City.

Karimi's sentencing comes amid an apparent crackdown on artists, writers, and journalists in the Islamic republic ahead of elections on February 26.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AP