Continued Pressure on Women Activists; Court Proceedings for 'Zainab Zaman' and 'Anisha Asadollahi' Sent to Prison

Continuing the wave of pressure on political, social, artistic, and sports activists, especially women, the news agency of the Human Rights Activists in Iran reported the court proceedings for Zainab Zaman and the transfer of Anisha Asadollahi to prison on Wednesday, one day before the 'Tasu'a and Ashura holidays.' According to HRANA, during the court session for Zainab Zaman, a women's rights activist and daughter of Hossein Zaman, held in Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran presided over by Judge Iman Afshari and in the presence of Abuzar Zaman, her defense attorney, Ms. Zaman defended herself against charges of 'conspiracy and collusion with the intent to commit a crime against national security' and 'propaganda activities against the regime.' Zainab Zaman, a resident of Tehran, was arrested on Saturday, April 8, after appearing at the office of the IRGC Intelligence. She was ultimately released on April 15 after posting bail from Evin Prison. HRANA also reported that Anisha Asadollahi, a labor activist, was sent to Evin Prison on Thursday, July 25, to serve her sentence. She had previously been sentenced to five years and eight months in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, and the ruling was upheld in the Tehran Court of Appeals. Under Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the harsher punishment of five years in prison will be applicable to her. Anisha Asadollahi, a labor activist, teacher, and official translator for the Workers' Syndicate of the Tehran Bus Company, has a history of previous arrests and legal confrontations due to her activities. Anisha Asadollahi's mother stated: 'Do not arrest elites to justify your incompetence; free Anisha and Keyvan Mohtadi.' The Islamic Revolutionary Court sentenced Anisha Asadollahi, a labor activist, to five years in prison. The Workers' Syndicate of the Tehran Bus Company condemned the 'case fabrication' and 'scenario building' against labor activists. A human rights organization reported on the human rights situation in May, highlighting the 'intensification of crackdowns' and 'widespread violations of freedoms.' Several detained teachers and labor activists were released on heavy bails. Anisha Asadollahi was transferred to prison to serve her sentence. The trial of three civil activists continues, with Sepideh Ghalean participating in an open court. The confirmation of a six-year prison sentence for a labor activist, Sara Siahpour, indicated that teachers are being 'made an example of.'