Workers’ Rights Advocate Saeed Yoozi Taken Into Custody by Security Forces

On December 26, Saeed Yoozi, a dedicated workers’ rights advocate, was apprehended by security forces.

According to a source with close ties to Yoozi’s family, agents from the Ministry of Intelligence conducted the arrest at his residence.

As of now, the reasons behind Yoozi’s detention and his current location are undisclosed.

Yoozi, an active member of the Committee for the Establishment of Independent Labor Organizations, has previously encountered arrests and legal challenges due to his commitment to labor advocacy.

In 2023, the Department of Statistics and Publications of the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA) recorded 64 cases of arrest related to workers’ rights advocacy. Furthermore, 29 labor activists or workers’ rights defenders received sentences totaling 654 months, comprising 568 months of actual imprisonment and 86 months of suspended imprisonment. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding labor rights, refer to HRANA’s report.

 

Workers’ Rights Advocate Foad Fathi Receives Four-Year Prison Sentence

Foad Fathi, an advocate for workers’ rights, has been handed a four-year prison sentence by the Tehran Revolutionary Court, as reported by Kurdpa.

Notification from Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court outlined Fathi’s four-year imprisonment for charges including “membership in anti-regime groups, acting against national security, and propaganda against the regime.” Alongside the prison term, Fathi has been subjected to a two-year travel ban, prohibiting him from leaving the country. He is also restricted from participating in political or civil groups and residing in Tehran and its suburbs during this period.

Fathi was apprehended by security forces in Tehran and subsequently confined in Evin Prison on November 4, 2023. A resident of Tehran with roots in Sanandaj, Fathi has a history of previous arrests and legal confrontations due to his activism in championing workers’ rights.

Teacher Union Activist Ruhollah Gerehgosha Arrested in Mamasani

On December 11, 2023, Ruhollah Gerehgosha, a teacher union activist, was apprehended by security forces in Nurabad, Mamasani County, Fars province.

As of now, the specifics surrounding Gerehgosha’s arrest and the allegations against him remain undisclosed. A source close to his family, in conversation with HRANA, has conveyed that his current whereabouts are unknown.

Workers’ Rights Advocate Sharifeh Mohammadi Arrested in Rasht

On December 5, 2023, the Ministry of Intelligence in Rasht arrested workers’ rights advocate Sharifeh Mohammadi, as reported by the Independent Iranian Workers Union.

Mohammadi was taken from her residence and subsequently transferred to an undisclosed location.
The reasons for her arrest, her current whereabouts, and the charges against her remain unknown at this time.

Four Teacher Union Activists Sentenced to Prison Terms and Additional Penalties

In recent developments, four members of the Teachers’ Trade Association in Bushehr, namely Mohsen Omrani, Mohmood Melaki, Asghar Hajat, and Abdolreza Amanifar, have received sentences totaling four years and eight months, along with additional penalties.

As reported by the Teachers Union Telegram channel, Melaki and Omrani have each been sentenced to two years of imprisonment, with the additional penalty of having some of their assets confiscated, and a three-year ban from engaging in the educational profession. Meanwhile, Hajat and Amanifar have each received four-month prison sentences, coupled with the seizure of certain belongings.

These activists had initially been detained on May 1, 2022, during nationwide protests organized by working and retired teachers. They were subsequently released on bail over the following weeks, pending the conclusion of legal proceedings.

It’s worth noting that Melaki faced another arrest by security forces on December 17, 2022, amidst nationwide protests. Although he was released on bail in late February, he was later permanently dismissed from his service.

These individuals were reportedly convicted on charges related to “actions against national security, disruption of public order and peace, and resisting on-duty officers.”

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Now is definitely not the time to stop reading!

Teacher Union Activist Soleiman Abdi Receives Eight-Month Prison Sentence

Soleiman Abdi, a member of the Teachers’ Trade Association in Saqqez and Ziviyeh, has been handed an eight-month prison sentence by the Saqqez Revolutionary Court, according to reports from Kurdpa.

Abdi was found guilty of “propaganda against the regime.”
In a separate legal case, the Criminal Court of Saqqez convicted him of “disrupting public order and safety,” resulting in an initial sentence of eight months in prison and 70 lashes. However, this sentence was later commuted to 720-hour community service, with the flogging punishment suspended for two years.

On March 19, 2023, security forces apprehended Abdi at his residence, and he was subsequently released on bail from Saqqez prison on April 10, 2023.
Soleiman Abdi has faced prior arrests related to his activities as a teacher union activist.

Workers’ Rights Advocate Othman Esmaeili Sentenced to 39-Month Prison Term

In a recent development reported by Kolbar News, workers’ rights activist Othman Esmaeili has been handed a 39-month prison sentence by the Saqqez Revolutionary Court.

Esmaeili’s sentencing comprises seven months and 15 days for “propagating against the regime” and an additional 31 months and 15 days for his alleged involvement as a member of an “anti-regime group.” As per the provisions outlined in Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, 31 months and 15 days of his total sentence will be carried out.

Esmaeili was arrested by security forces on February 8, 2023, and subsequently released from Saqez Prison on April 17, 2023. During his period of detention, both legal representation and family visitation were reportedly denied.

It’s worth noting that he has a history of previous arrests and incarceration for his activism.

 

Workers’ Rights Activist Reyhaneh Ansari Receives Four-Year Prison Sentence and Additional Restrictions

The Tehran Revolutionary Court has handed a four-year prison sentence to workers’ rights activist Reyhaneh Ansari. According to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the original charge would have led to a four-year imprisonment.

Ansari’s lawyer, Razieh Zeydi, informed the public that Judge Salavati, who presided over the Tehran Revolutionary Court, sentenced Ansari to four years for “assembly and collusion against national security and acting against national security.” As an additional punishment, she has been prohibited from leaving the country, joining political and civil groups, and engaging in online and media activities for two years.

Ansari, along with several other civil and workers’ rights activists, was apprehended at Mohammad Habibi’s residence just days before International Workers’ Day on April 28, 2023. Subsequently, she, along with Anisha Asadollahi, was released on a one-billion-Toman bail ten days later.

It is important to highlight that Ansari has a history of arrests and convictions related to her activism.

Two Workers Detained by IRGC Intelligence for Alleged Role in Strikes

Two workers employed in the South Pars Gas-Condensate field have been detained by IRGC Intelligence for involvement in organizing worker strikes.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, citing Raja News, the arrests took place in Bushehr Province.

The identities of the workers have not been revealed, but a local official stated that they were allegedly leading strikes among workers at the South Pars Gas-Condensate field. Additionally, it is reported that they were non-native and engaged also in online activities related to these strikes.

Eight Workers’ Rights Activists Detained in Sanandaj

Eight workers’ rights activists were apprehended on May 17, 2023, by intelligence agents in Sanandaj and transported to a local detention facility.

The activists who were arrested are Hajar Saeedi, Abdollah Kheirabadi, Shadman Abdi, Kamal Karimi, Khabat Mahmoodi, Sirvan Mahmoodi, Eghbal Pishkari, and Habibollah Karimi.

The arrests took place at the residence of the father of Hooman Abdollahi who was killed by regime forces during the 2022 nationwide protests.
The specific reasons for these arrests and the allegations against the activists are currently undisclosed.

It’s worth noting that Hajar Saeedi has previously been subjected to detention for her activism.