The Islamic Republic of Iran takes on Producers of ‘Argo’

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Iran is considering suing the producers of Argo claiming that the Oscar winning best picture provided an unrealistic portrayal of the country during the seizure of the United States Embassy in 1979.  The decision to potentially litigate resulted from a recent screening of the film by Iranian cultural officials and movie critics in Tehran as part of an event entitled “The Hoax of Hollywood”.  The Iranian government alleges that the film is an attack on Iranian culture and international cultural norms.

The film depicts the clandestine rescue of six Americans who escaped the militant take over of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took refuge in the Canadian embassy.  The movie was produced by its director, Ben Affleck, as well as by actors George Clooney and Grant Heslov.  It is not clear whether the suit would name each of the producers, individually.

The country is in talks with French lawyer Isabelle Coutant-Peyre to determine where and how to file a lawsuit.  Coutant-Peyre, who previously represented “Carlos the Jackal” the Venezuelan born terrorist, has indicated that she may rely on Article 1382 of the French Civil Code, which concerns the obligation to repair harm caused to others.  Venues proposed for the suit apparently include French courts or possibly Switzerland.

Argo has grossed more than $219 million in international ticket sales.

Iran plans to sue makers of ‘Argo’: Could lawsuit succeed?

Iran ‘to sue makers of Argo’

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