Six-Year Sentences Confirmed For Two Iranian Labor Activists

A court in Iran has confirmed six-year prison sentences for two labor activists following what the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company Workers' Union called an unfair judicial process.

The organization said on January 12 that the appeals court hearing was held without the presence of Reza Shahabi and Hassan Saeedi, who were convicted for "propaganda activity against the Islamic republic" and "assembly and collusion with the intention of committing a crime against national security."

The two were also banned from leaving the country, joining political parties and using social media for a period of two years, it said.

The union said the ruling has "angered" labor activists and the families of Shahabi and Saeedi, and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the two men.

Shahabi and Saeedi were arrested in May 2022 after they attended a May Day rally during which the participants protested against high living costs and rising inflation, and called for the right to establish independent labor organizations.

The appeals court ruling comes as the Islamic republic tries to suppress nationwide anti-government protests triggered by the September death of a 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini, in the custody of morality police. More than 500 people have been killed and over 18,000 arrested in the crackdown on dissent, according to activists.

The widespread protests erupted after a summer of unrest over poor living conditions, water shortages, and economic difficulties, in part resulting from US sanctions.