Four workers’ rights activists, Keyvan Mohtadi, Anisha Asadollahi, Hassan Saeedi, and Reza Shahabi, have had their prison sentences reduced to three years and seven months following a retrial, reports Shargh Newspaper.

Originally sentenced to six years, the activists appealed for a retrial, which was granted and subsequently heard by a different court branch, leading to the reduction, their attorney Hossein Taj confirmed.

On May 9, 2022, security forces arrested Mohtadi and Asadollahi at their home and detained them at Ward 209 of Evin Prison in Tehran. Mohtadi was later transferred to Ward 4. In January 2023, Tehran’s Revolutionary Court initially sentenced Mohtadi to five years for “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional year for “propaganda against the regime.” Both verdicts were affirmed upon appeal.

Asadollahi faced similar charges, receiving five years for “assembly and collusion against national security” and eight months for “propaganda against the regime.” Her sentences were also upheld by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. The couple had faced arrests and convictions previously for their civil rights activities.

Hassan Saeedi, affiliated with the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran Bus Company, was arrested on May 18, 2022. He was sentenced to six years for “propaganda against the regime” and “assembly and collusion to undermine national security,” along with facing a travel ban and restrictions on political activities and social media usage. Additionally, he was prohibited from residing in Tehran Province and its neighboring provinces for two years.

Reza Shahabi, a board member of the same syndicate, received a six-year sentence for analogous charges, along with similar bans and restrictions. His verdict was upheld in January 2023. Shahabi has a history of previous arrests and convictions due to his activism.