Iranian authorities summoned the French chargé d'affaires in Tehran for talks today in protest over "insulting" statements from Paris after Iranian director and dissident Jafar Panahi received the Palme d'Or at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival last night, Iranian media reported.
"Following insulting comments and unfounded accusations made by the French foreign minister against Iran, the chargé d'affaires in Tehran has been summoned to the ministry," the IRNA news agency reported.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot criticized the "oppression of the Iranian regime" last night after Panahi received the award.
The Iranian director and dissident won the Palme d'Or for "It Was Just an Accident," which was filmed in secret.
Panahi (64) was able to attend the Cannes Film Festival for the first time in 15 years and receive the award, which was presented to him by the president of the jury, French actress Juliette Binoche.
After receiving the award, the director said that the most important thing is the freedom of his country.
Panahi, who was imprisoned twice in Iran, a country he was unable to leave until recently, has vowed to return home after the Cannes Film Festival despite the risk of an adverse reaction from the authorities.
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