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.

 

Three Workers’ Rights Activists Face Trial

HRANA News Agency-Branch 2 of the Shahriar Revolutionary Court held the court hearing addressing charges against three workers’ rights activists, Mohammad Iran-Nejad, Morteza Seydi and Nasrolllah Amirlou.

The defendants, who were represented by their attorneys including Erfan Karam Veisi, faced charges of “forming a workers’ association to act against national security.” The outcome of the trial remains to be seen.

The trio had previously been summoned to court on August 21, 2022, to present their final defense.

On June 26, 2022, Iran-Nejad was imprisoned to serve his sentence received for his previous legal case. He was released from Rajaj Shahr Prison on February 20, 2023.

Amirlou and Seydi were arrested on April 15, 2022, and later transferred from a detention facility in Tehran to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. They were granted bail and released from Evin Prison on May 2 and 9, 2022, respectively.

 

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Teacher Mohammad Ghanati Arrested in Arak

On April 10, 2023, Mohammad Ghanati, a teacher and resident of Arak, was arrested after an appearance at the Public and Revolutionary Court of Arak.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting the Coordination Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, on April 10, 2023, teacher Mohammad Ghanati was arrested in Arak.

Ghanati reportedly was arrested after he was summoned and appeared at the Public and Revolutionary Court of Arak. He was summoned for accusations of “disturbing public order and propaganda against the regime.”

 

 

Teacher Fariba Zand Karimi Summoned and Arrested

On April 5, 2023, teacher Fariba Zand Karimi was arrested after an appearance at the Ministry of Intelligence’s office in Sanandaj, Kurdistan Province.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting the Coordination Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, on April 5, 2023, teacher Fariba Zand-Karimi was arrested in Sanandaj.

The reason for her arrest and the allegations against her are still unknown.

Zand Karimi, age 35, is a contract teacher working for the Sanandaj Department of Education.

 

Teachers Union Activist Mohammad Habibi Arrested

On April 5, 2023, security forces arrested Mohammad Habibi, the spokesperson of the Tehran Teachers’ Trade Association, at his workplace in Tehran and took him to Ward 209 of Evin Prison. The agents also raided and searched his house.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, on April 5, 2023, teachers union activist Mohammad Habibi was arrested.

His wife, Khadijeh Pakzamir, stated, “This afternoon, having an arrest warrant, four agents from the West Intelligence Department of Tehran Province arrested Mohammad Habibi at the school where he works. Then, along with my husband, the agents came to our house for a search. They insulted us and took him to Ward 209 of Evin Prison.”

Habibi had been released from Evin Prison, on February 8, 2023.

On April 30, 2022, Habibi was arrested and detained in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. In October 2022, the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced him to three years and seven months for “assembly and collusion against national security” and one year for “propaganda against the regime.” He was also banned from leaving the country, membership, or participating in civil groups for two years.

 

 

 

Dozens of Businesses Closed for Breaking Islamic Rules of Dress Code and Behavior

In recent days, dozens of businesses in several cities across Iran were closed for allegedly violating the Islamic dress code (Hijab) and behaviour rules.

An official from the IRGC announced the closure of at least 40 businesses in Kashan due to “female customers’ lack of Hijab.” Earlier, a hotel and a tourist complex were also shut down for this reason.

Similarly, in Khorramabad, one restaurant and one wedding hall were closed, and in Mianeh, seven businesses were shut down. In Babolsar, six businesses were closed, and several others in Shiraz were also affected due to violations of the Islamic dress code and behaviour rules.

Iran’s regime routinely violates its citizens’ privacy and right to choose their clothing. Imposing a certain lifestyle on citizens stands in blatant violation of Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which entitles everyone to the right to life, liberty and security of person. Additionally, Article 12 of this declaration affirms, “One shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honor and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.”

 

Eight Businesses Closed in Nowshahr and Rasht for Failing to Observe Hijab Rules

The Police Chief of Nowshahr announced that three cafe restaurants were closed for playing live music and failing to observe Hijab rules. Similarly, five businesses were closed in Rasht for the same reason.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting IRNA, three cafe restaurants were closed for improper Hijab, playing live music and serving alcoholic beverages.

This Police chief also warned tourists coming to Mazandaran Province about not observing Ramadan rules and improper Hijab.
Also, Rokna News Agency reported that in Rasht, five shops were closed for failing to observe Hijab rules.

Imposing a certain lifestyle on citizens stands in blatant violation of Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which entitles everyone to the right to life, liberty and security of person. Additionally, Article 12 of this declaration affirms, “One shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honor and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.”