Workers’ Rights Defender Mostafa Zamani Arrested in Isfahan

Mostafa Zamani, an advocate for workers’ rights and a resident of Izeh, was arrested on January 14, 2024, by security forces in Isfahan. The Independent Iranian Workers Union (IIWU) reported his arrest and subsequent transfer to an undisclosed location.

The arrest allegedly took place within the premises of Isfahan Oil Refinery, yet the reasons behind his detention and his current location remain undisclosed.

Zamani, known for his advocacy of workers’ rights, is also employed as a welding worker.

As HRA’s annual report reveals, in 2023, 64 workers’ rights advocates were arrested by security forces in Iran. Additionally, 29 labor activists or defenders of workers’ rights were sentenced to 654 months of imprisonment, which includes 568 months of actual imprisonment and 86 months of suspended imprisonment. These alarming statistics underscore the challenging environment faced by those advocating for labor rights in the country.

Worker’s Rights Activist Eghbal Sha’abani Receives 30-Month Suspended Sentence

Eghbal Sha’abani, a worker’s rights activist and inspector at the Sanandaj Bakers Syndicate, has been sentenced to 30 months of suspended imprisonment by the Sanandaj Revolutionary Court, according to a statement by the Independent Iranian Workers Union (IIWU).

The verdict was issued on the grounds of his alleged “membership in a political oppositional party.”

Sha’abani’s legal troubles began on May 19, 2023, when he was arrested by security forces in Sanandaj and subsequently detained at the Ministry of Intelligence detention facility. After nearly two weeks in custody, he was granted release on May 31, 2023, upon posting a half-billion-toman bail.

This is not the first time Sha’abani has faced such repercussions for his activism, as he has a history of prior arrests and convictions related to his dedication to worker’s rights causes.

Teachers Mahmood Melaki and Mohsen Omrani Arrested in Bushehr

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, quoting the Independent Iranian Workers Union (IIWU), on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, teachers Mahmood Melaki and Mohsen Omrani were arrested in Bushehr City.

Reportedly, two individuals’ families’ inquiry about their whereabouts and conditions has been unanswered by security and judicial authorities and the reasons for these arrests, the charges and their whereabouts are still unknown.

On May 1, 2022, Melaki and Omrani were arrested during the teachers’ protests in Bushehr. Melaki and Omrani were released on bail on May 17 and 21 respectively.

Last year, the Bushehr Revolutionary Court sentenced Melaki to refrain from teaching for two years and a 20-million tomans fine.