Iranian Actress Sentenced To 90 Lashes For Making Film About Regime's Harsh Restrictions On Artists

An Iranian actress who made a film challenging the limits imposed on artists in the Islamic republic has been sentenced to 90 lashes and a year in jail.

Actress Marzieh Vafamehr was handed the sentence on Saturday, according to a Iranian opposition website Kalameh.com.

'A verdict has been issued for Marzieh Vafamehr, sentencing her to a year in jail and 90 lashes. Her lawyer has appealed the sentence, which was handed down on Saturday,'.



Arrest: Marzieh Vafamehr was first questioned by police in July after appearing in 'My Tehran for Sale' (pictured) which came under criticism in conservative circles

Vafamehr was arrested in July after appearing in 'My Tehran for Sale,' which came under harsh criticism in conservative circles.

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The film, produced in collaboration with Australia, tells the story of a young actress in Tehran whose theatre work is banned by the authorities.

She is then forced to lead a secret life in order to express herself artistically.

The Fars news agency said the movie had not been approved for screening in Iran and was being distributed in the country illegally.

Vafamehr was released in late July after posting unspecified bail.