Threats Against Imprisoned Labor Activists Coincide with International Workers' Day; Statement Banned

The Syndicate of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company announced on May 1 that officials at Evin Prison have threatened three imprisoned members of this syndicate, stating that any statement they release on the occasion of International Workers' Day will lead to an increase in their prison sentences. According to the syndicate's Telegram channel, Reza Shahabi, Davood Razavi, and Hassan Saidi, along with Keyvan Mohtadi, another imprisoned labor activist, were threatened by interrogators upon their transfer to Ward 209 on May 1. The syndicate also reported that interrogators explicitly warned that if a statement is issued by these prisoners for International Workers' Day, a new case would be opened against them and handed over to the judiciary, potentially adding several years to their sentences. It is reported that on the same day, two imprisoned female labor activists, Reyhaneh Ansarinezad and Anisha Asadollahi, were also summoned for questioning from the women's ward of Evin Prison, which they rejected. Iranian workers are facing numerous livelihood issues, a severe drop in living standards, and increasing poverty and economic and social insecurity as they approach another International Workers' Day on May 1. The government of Ebrahim Raisi has set the minimum wage for workers in the year 1403 at just over 11 million tomans, while experts say the minimum income required for a decent living in cities is around 30 million tomans. The determination of wages in parliament aims to reduce protests; the Minister of Labor is taking steps to silence workers. Strikes at the 'Parch Paper Nature Cellulose' factory in Shush; workers are demanding the removal of contractors. Several labor activists in Sanandaj have been summoned; the Ministry of Intelligence is preventing the celebration of International Workers' Day. A member of the Supreme Labor Council stated that the government is seeking to silence workers. The Sweden-Iran Labor Syndicates Platform has called for the release of labor activists, teachers, and civil activists.