Jafar Panahi calls for international help over Iran protests

Filmmaker Jafar Panahi urged international help as Iran experienced a reported phone and internet blackout and news reports cited hundreds killed during recent protests.

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi has publicly appealed for international attention and assistance amid large nationwide protests and a reported government response. He described a recent shutdown of phone and internet services and said the situation felt dire. Panahi spoke while promoting his new film abroad and has been sentenced in absentia to another year in prison. He also said he plans to return to Iran after completing his awards campaign. Key reported points: - Panahi urged journalists, human-rights groups and others worldwide to act, saying the government has lost legitimacy and that forces may escalate their response. - He reported that phone and internet services were cut off across parts of the country, which he said indicated a worsening situation. - News outlets cited more than 500 deaths tied to the recent unrest, according to reporting referenced in the article. - Panahi was recently sentenced in absentia and said he intends to return to Iran after his current film campaign concludes. Summary: The filmmaker's statements have drawn further international attention to the protests and the reported communications blackout, and media reporting has cited a substantial death toll. Undetermined at this time.