Category: Labor and Guilds

Teachers’ Union Activist Mohammad Hassan Davoudi Sentenced to Imprisonment

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Miandoab, Mohammad Hassan Davoudi

HRANA – Mohammad Hassan Davoudi, a teachers’ union activist, has been sentenced by a branch of the Miandoab Revolutionary Court to three years, four months, and two days in prison.

Based on the verdict issued on November 1, 2025, and officially communicated to Mr. Davoudi, he was sentenced to seven months and sixteen days in prison for the charge of propaganda against the regime and to thirty-two months and sixteen days in prison for the charge of membership in anti-regime groups.

The verdict was issued by Rasoul Hojabri, the judge of the Miandoab Revolutionary Court, which operates under Branch 103 of the county’s Criminal Court Two.

If upheld at the appeals stage, under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the severest punishment, thirty-two months and sixteen days of imprisonment, will be enforceable for this teachers’ union activist.

Mr. Davoudi was arrested by security forces in Miandoab in October-November 2022 and was released after two months of detention upon posting bail.

Mohammad Hassan Davoudi, a teachers’ union activist residing in Miandoab, has previously been subjected to arrest and judicial proceedings due to his professional and union activities.

Report on the Arrest and Release of Three Attorneys in Rasht

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Lakan prison, Masoumeh Pour-Shahrani, Mohammadreza Tak, Rasht, Tahereh Pour-Esmaeili

HRANA – Tahereh Pour-Esmaeili, Mohammadreza Tak, and Masoumeh Pour-Shahrani, three attorneys residing in Rasht who had been arrested by security forces over the past week, have been released from Lakan Prison in Rasht after posting bail.

A source close to the families of these citizens told HRANA: “Tahereh Pour-Esmaeili, Mohammadreza Tak, and Masoumeh Pourshahrani were arrested by security forces last week  and transferred to Lakan Prison in Rasht.”

The source added: “Ms. Pour-Esmaeili and Ms. Pour-Shahraniare facing charges of blasphemy and insulting the Supreme Leader, and have also been threatened with the revocation of their law licenses, fabrication of cases, and sexual harassment. Mr. Tak’s arrest was linked to his role as defense attorney in security-related cases. Although bail had been set for them, the prosecutor handling their cases initially refused to accept it. Ultimately, in recent days, the three attorneys were released on bail. The bail amount for Ms. Pour-Esmaeili was set at 2 billion tomans, and for Ms. Pour-Shahrani at 500 million tomans.”

At least 13 attorneys in Gilan Province have recently faced judicial and security pressures, including summonses and arrests.

Tahereh Pour-Esmaeili, Mohammadreza Tak, and Masoumeh Pour-Shahrani are licensed attorneys residing in Rasht. Mr. Tak has previously faced security-related harassment.

Shahab Darabi Sentenced to Three Years in Prison

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
HRANA, Iranian truck driver, Shahab Darabi, شهاب دارابی

HRANA – Shahab Darabi, a truck driver from Eslamabad-e Gharb who was arrested by security forces for supporting the truck drivers’ strikes, has been sentenced to three years and one day in prison.

According to a verdict recently issued by a branch of the Revolutionary Court and communicated to Mr. Darabi, he was sentenced in connection with his participation in the truck drivers’ strikes and for posting supportive content on social media. Further details, including the specific charges brought against him, are under review by HRANA.

Darabi was arrested on May 27 by Ministry of Intelligence agents. His arrest was carried out violently, with officers subjecting him to beatings.

After his detention, a video of Darabi was circulated on social media in which – under unclear circumstances – he expressed regret over his past actions. The footage sparked widespread reactions online, with many users describing it as a “forced confession.” He was eventually released on bail on June 1.

HRANA has also published a detailed report on the truck drivers’ strikes in June, outlining the causes, the strike’s expansion, the government’s response, and the subsequent arrests.

Teachers’ Union Activist Masoud Farhikhteh Sentenced to Imprisonment by Court of Appeal

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Alborz province, Masoud Farhikhteh, Sanandaj, مسعود فرهیخته

HRANA – Branch 12 of the Alborz Province Court of Appeal has reduced the prison sentence of teachers’ union activist Masoud Farhikhteh to four years, one month, and 17 days, down from the six years previously handed down by the trial court.

According to the Coordination Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, the appellate court sentenced Farhikhteh to three years, six months, and one day in prison for “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against internal security,” and seven months and 16 days for “propaganda against the regime.”

Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, only the most severe sentence — three years, six months, and one day — will be enforceable.

Farhikhteh was originally sentenced in January 2025 by Branch 2 of the Karaj Revolutionary Court, following a trial held in July 2024.

In a separate case, the Sanandaj Revolutionary Court sentenced him in April 2024 to three months in prison for “propaganda against the regime,” later converting the sentence to an eight-million-toman fine. He was acquitted of this charge in August 2024 by the Kurdistan Province Court of Appeal.

A board member of the Islamshahr Teachers’ Union, Farhikhteh was arrested by security forces at his home in Karaj on May 1, 2023, and transferred to Ghezel Hesar Prison. He was released on bail in June of that year.

Eight Teacher Union Activists Sentenced to Prison by Revolutionary Court

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Fatemeh Yazdani, Hossein Rashidi Zarandi, HRANA, Kerman, Leila Afshar, Majid Naderi, Mitra Nikpour, Mohammadreza Behzadpour, Shahnaz Rezaei Sharifabadi, Zahra Azizi

HRANA– Eight teacher union activists from Kerman Province have been sentenced by Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court of Kerman to a total of 8 years and 6 months of discretionary imprisonment.

According to HRANA, citing the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations, the verdicts were issued on August 3, 2025, by Branch 1 of the Kerman Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Hadi Aghaeipour, and have been formally communicated to the individuals.

Breakdown of the sentences is as follows:

   ● Majid Naderi was sentenced to:
       ◦ 1 year in prison for “membership in a group opposing the regime to disrupt national security”
       ◦ 4 months for “propaganda against the regime”
       ◦ 4 months for “insulting the Supreme Leader”

   ● Hossein Rashidi Zarandi received:
       ◦ 1 year for “membership in a group opposing the regime to disrupt national security”
       ◦ 4 months for “insulting Khomeini and Khamenei”

   ● Mohammadreza Behzadpour was sentenced to:
       ◦ 1 year for “membership in a group opposing the regime to disrupt national security”
       ◦ 4 months for “propaganda against the regime”

   ● Fatemeh Yazdani, Mitra Nikpour, Zahra Azizi, Leila Afshar, and Shahnaz Rezaei Sharifabadi were each sentenced to:
       ◦ 6 months for “membership in a group opposing the regime to disrupt national security”
       ◦ 4 months for “propaganda against the regime”

In June 2025, the indictment against these teacher union activists was issued and referred to Branch 1 of the Kerman Revolutionary Court.

These individuals had previously been summoned to the Kerman Prosecutor’s Office on June 9, 2024.

Earlier, in October 2022, Zahra Azizi, Mohammadreza Behzadpour, and Hossein Rashidi were summoned by Kerman’s Security Police.

In May 2022, Mohammadreza Behzadpour, Majid Naderi, and Hossein Rashidi were arrested by security forces in Kerman and later released on bail after several days.

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Retired Teacher Zina Fereydounian Sentenced to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Fereydounian, HRANA, Qorveh, Zina Fereydounian, زینا فریدونیان

HRANA News Agency – Zina Fereydounian, a retired teacher from Qorveh, has been sentenced by the city’s Revolutionary Court to over 13 months of prison and an additional three years of suspended imprisonment in two separate cases.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Fereydounian was sentenced to 10 months in prison for “propaganda against the regime.” In a separate case, she was sentenced to 91 days of discretionary imprisonment and an additional three years of suspended prison time. The court also imposed a travel ban on her.

Following the court’s refusal to allow her to serve her sentence under electronic monitoring outside prison, the 10-month sentence was referred to the sentence enforcement unit.

A source close to Faridounian’s family told HRANA: “In Qorveh, she supported vulnerable groups by covering wedding and living expenses. Her prison sentence stems solely from her criticism of social conditions.”

Revolutionary Court Sentences Two Retired Workers in Ahvaz to Prison

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
ahvaz, Ahvaz Revolutionary court, Farzaneh Zilabi, Mohammad-Zaman Kamrava, Morad Zohrabi

HRANA News Agency – Mohammad-Zaman Kamrava and Morad Zohrabi, two retired Social Security Organization workers from Ahvaz, have each been sentenced to two years in prison by Branch 2 of the Ahvaz Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, citing The Independent Iranian Workers Union, the ruling was issued on June 7, 2025, and has been formally communicated to the defendants. Both Kamrava and Zohrabi were convicted of “assembly and collusion to act against national security” and “propaganda against the regime,” with each receiving a two-year prison sentence.

The charges stem from their participation in retiree protests held in front of the Ahvaz Social Security office during February 2022, part of the nationwide Sunday demonstrations by retirees.

It’s worth noting that in late-April 2024, Kamrava was arrested by security forces following another retiree protest in Ahvaz and was later released.

Both men are residents of Ahvaz and retired from the Social Security Organization. Their legal representation is currently being handled by attorney Farzaneh Zilabi.

Report on the Latest Status of Detained Truckers Amid Ongoing Strikes

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Alireza Faghfoori, Ata Aziri, IRGC Quds forces, Kermanshah, Rezgar Moradi, Sanandaj, Sediq Mohammadi, Shahab Darabi, Truckers’ Strike, Zanko Rostami

HRANA News Agency – Since the start of nationwide truckers’ strikes in Iran on May 22, more than 40 truck drivers, supporters, and other citizens have been arrested in various cities. The strikes emerged in protest of rising costs, reduced freight rates, difficult living conditions, and the government’s neglect of truck drivers’ professional demands.

Since the strikes began, reports have confirmed the arrest of over 40 people in different cities. The identities of seven detainees have been confirmed as: Farzad Rezaei from Divandarreh, Zanko Rostami in Dehgolan, Rezgâr Moradi, Sediq Mohammadi, and Ata Aziri from Sanandaj, Alireza Faghfoori from Behbahan, and Shahab Darabi in Eslamabad-e Gharb. Among them, Shahab Darabi has recently been released.

Following the start of the strikes, the Union of Iranian Truckers and Drivers’ Associations reported the arrest of 11 drivers in Kermanshah and several others in Sanandaj.

Additionally, a citizen was arrested by IRGC Quds forces in Gilan province for supporting the nationwide truckers’ strikes in Rasht.

The Public Relations and Propaganda Division of the Khuzestan IRGC also announced the arrest of two citizens in Bandar Imam Khomeini for supporting the strikes. A video of the two individuals’ “forced confessions” was later published by state media.

In another case, the police chief of Bandar Lengeh stated that a citizen had been arrested for encouraging participation in the strike. According to him, the individual had produced and shared a video clip on social media encouraging heavy vehicle drivers to join the strike, which was later shared with foreign-based media outlets.

In addition, the prosecutor of Shiraz confirmed the arrest of several protesting drivers, accusing them of disrupting transportation. Without specifying the number of detainees, he claimed the individuals were “purposefully and systematically disrupting the transport system.”

In a related development, state media reported that nine citizens had been arrested and transferred to prison in Qazvin province for their involvement in the truckers’ strike.

Two citizens were also arrested in Bahar County, and five more in Khuzestan and Hamadan provinces, all in connection with activities related to the strike.

It’s worth noting that HRANA has recently published a detailed report covering the past week of truckers’ strikes. The report comprehensively addresses the causes of the protests, their expansion, the government’s response, and the status of the detainees.

Truckers’ Strike: Farzad Rezaei Arrested in Divandarreh

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Divandarreh, Farzad Rezaei, HRANA, Truckers’ Strike

HRANA News Agency– Farzad Rezaei, a resident of Divandarreh, was arrested by security forces for expressing support and solidarity with the nationwide truckers’ strike.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists in Iran, Rezaei was detained recently in Divandarreh, Kurdistan province, amid the ongoing protests by truckers.

Sources told HRANA that his arrest was directly linked to his support for the strike. As of the time of this report, no information has been made available regarding his place of detention or the charges against him.

The truckers’ protests began in Iran on May 22. Since then, dozens of truckers and supporters have been arrested in various cities across the country.

Additionally, HRANA has published a comprehensive report on the past week’s strikes, detailing the causes behind the protests, their spread, the government’s response, and the status of those detained.

Truckers’ Strike: Two Arrested in Kurdistan Province

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Freedom of Expression, Labor and Guilds, News
Dehgolan, HRANA, Rezgar Moradi, Sanandaj, Zanko Rostami

HRANA News Agency – Zanko Rostami in Dehgolan and Rezgar Moradi in Sanandaj were arrested by security forces for supporting and participating in the nationwide truckers’ strike.

Based on information obtained by HRANA, Rezgar Moradi was arrested on May 27 in Sanandaj, and Zanko Rostami was detained on May 25 in Dehgolan by security forces.

Mr. Rostami was arrested during a protest gathering by truckers in Dehgolan, and his current status remains unknown. Moradi was detained on the Sanandaj–Marivan road and, following the issuance of a one-month detention order, was transferred to Sanandaj Prison.

The truckers’ protests began in Iran on May 22. Since then, dozens of truckers and supporters have been arrested in various cities across the country.

Additionally, HRANA has published a comprehensive report on the past week’s strikes, detailing the causes behind the protests, their spread, the government’s response, and the status of those detained.