Oscar-Nominated Iranian Screenwriter Mehdi Mahmoudian Arrested in Tehran

Mehdi Mahmoudian, an Oscar-nominated screenwriter for the Iranian drama 'It Was Just an Accident', was arrested in Tehran on Saturday, representatives for the film said.

His arrest occurred just days after he and 16 others signed a statement condemning Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the regime's crackdown on demonstrators.

'It Was Just an Accident' is nominated for best screenplay and best international film at the March 15 Academy Awards.