Labor Activist Sentenced to One Year in Prison for December Protests

A labor activist and member of the Iranian Metalworkers’ Syndicate has been sentenced to one year in prison for his professional protests.

“Manouchehr Siraj,” a labor activist and member of the Iranian Metalworkers’ Syndicate, was sentenced to one year in prison by Judge Mohammad Moghissi. His case was tried in the Revolutionary Court, which is known for conducting unfair trials.

Siraj was arrested last December. He was held for approximately one month in Ward 209 of Evin Prison and was subsequently released on bail of 300 million tomans.

The Iranian Metalworkers’ Syndicate, while supporting “Manouchehr Siraj,” condemned the one-year prison sentence for “such a humane person.”

During the nationwide protests in Iran that began on Thursday, the 7th of December 1396 and spread to more than 72 Iranian cities, severe suppression was carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran, resulting in several deaths and thousands of arrests.

The suppression of protesters and the opening of legal cases against hundreds of them raised concerns among international bodies and U.S. government officials.

Mike Pence, the Vice President of the United States, was among senior American officials who repeatedly supported Iranians’ right to protest against the government during the days of protests.

Heather Nauert, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, also strongly condemned the killing and arrest of some people in connection with Iran’s protests.

Additionally, Nikki Haley, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, called for investigating the suppression of protests in Iran at the UN Security Council and warned the Islamic Republic government that the world is watching its actions.

Source: Voice of America