Sister of Peyman Farhangian, Imprisoned Labor Activist: My Brother is Held Among Dangerous Criminals

Neda Farhangian, the sister of Peyman Farhangian, a poet, labor activist, and political prisoner, has reported on his "difficult" conditions in the "Azbaram" prison in Lahijan, where he is held among dangerous criminals. Criticizing her brother's conviction, she described his "crime" as "defending workers and opposing exploitation and tyranny." In a note on her Instagram page, she wrote: "My dearest brother Peyman Farhangian, a labor activist and poet from Bandar Kiyashahr in Gilan province, was transferred to Azbaram prison in Lahijan on December 12 to serve his sentence, and he is in a difficult situation in the general crimes ward. His crime is defending workers and opposing exploitation and tyranny." The 11th branch of the Gilan Court of Appeals sentenced Peyman Farhangian to one year of imprisonment, a two-year travel ban, and the blocking of his Instagram account for the charge of "propaganda against the regime." This labor activist, who was arrested on December 12 after visiting the Revolutionary Court in Astaneh Ashrafieh, has called his conviction "unjust." Peyman Farhangian has previously experienced judicial convictions and imprisonment due to his activities. The intensification of security and judicial crackdowns on labor activists and teachers in Iran has led to severe criticisms from labor and teacher unions worldwide. These unions emphasize the necessity of free operation of labor and professional organizations in Iran, free from any repression. Four labor organizations and groups have stated that the monthly wage for workers next year should be 45 million tomans. The Coordination Council of Iranian Teachers' Trade Unions has expressed concern over the physical condition of Hashem Khasdar. Workers are facing food poverty; bread and sugar have replaced meat and dairy on their tables. Concurrently, as the budget review begins, the Vice President threatens the Parliament; the Guardian Council rejects a 20% increase in wages.