Demonstrations in Iran: prison sentences for inciting a strike

The repression continues. Four Iranians were sentenced to terms ranging from one to 10 years in prison, specifically for inciting a strike during a protest movement linked to the death of Mahsa Amini, an official said on Sunday.

They are accused of calling for a three-day strike on social media on December 5 in support of the protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini on September 16. A 22-year-old Iranian woman has died after being arrested by police who accused her of violating the country’s strict dress code for women.

Four of the defendants were sentenced at first instance to prison terms mainly “for inciting drivers to strike in December” in Hormozgan province (south), Mojtaba Gahramani, head of the province’s judiciary, said.

“One defendant was sentenced to ten years in prison, another to five years for having also formed a group to violate security, two more to one year in prison and damages for breaking truck windows,” he added. quoted by Justice Authority Mizan Online. “None of the defendants is a driver and has nothing to do with the transport sector,” he continued.

Force tighten screw

This is the first time that justice has returned convictions for instigating a strike during protests this fall. Four Iranians, whose identity is not specified, can appeal.

According to the Ilna news agency, which is close to working circles, Mojtaba Gahramani reported the failure of “calls for a strike of truck drivers” coming from “elements hostile to the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Iranian officials commonly refer to the protests as “riots” encouraged by hostile countries and organizations. In recent months, activists have repeatedly called for a strike. But the repression is harsh: four Iranians have already been executed for “attacking the security forces” during demonstrations.