End of 10-Day Leave; Ismail Ahmadi, Labor Activist, Returned to Prison in Ahar

The Azerbaijani Political Prisoners Defense Association (ADAP) reported that Ismail Ahmadi, a labor activist, was sent back to Ahar Prison on Wednesday, June 26, to continue his sentence. This political prisoner had been incarcerated since April 19 of this year to serve a 9-month prison sentence and receive 70 lashes. He was granted a 10-day leave on June 17. The 32nd branch of the East Azerbaijan Court of Appeals sentenced Mr. Ahmadi to 9 months in prison and 70 lashes. According to ADAP, the charges against this labor activist included 'insulting Islamic sanctities,' 'encouraging people to commit crimes against internal/external security,' 'communicating with hostile networks,' 'spreading falsehoods,' and 'propaganda against the Islamic Republic.' Typically, the security and judicial apparatus of the Islamic Republic levies such charges against labor, professional, and civil activists in Iran. ADAP noted that Mr. Ahmadi was arrested by the security forces of the Islamic Republic in connection with the protests of workers at the Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine on August 21 of last year and was released on September 24 of the same year after posting a bail of 400 million tomans. Special forces attacked workers during the strike at the Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine, with the Free Workers Union reporting that nearly 20 workers from Sarcheshmeh have been arrested. The strike by the workers at the Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine continues, with special forces attacking the protesters.