Following the trial of several well-known labor and environmental activists, Branch 1 of the Sanandaj Revolutionary Court issued a verdict acquitting these activists of the charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “disturbing public opinion.”
According to Kolbarnews, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, after a trial session for several prominent labor and environmental activists in Sanandaj, Branch 1 of the Revolutionary Court in the city ruled to acquit the activists of the security-related charges.
In this case, Eqbal Shabani, Seyed Khaled Hosseini, Farshid Abdollahi, Fardin Mirki, and Sheith Amani members of the board of the Free Union of Iranian Workers along with Jamal Asadi and Sousan Razani, environmental activists, had faced charges due to their participation in gatherings where symbols such as the red flag, red star, and songs like “The Internationale” and other Komala-associated anthems were displayed and performed.
The trial was held on May 8, during which the defendants emphasized the civil, social, and union-based nature of their activities and rejected the charges as legally unfounded and lacking proper justification.
With today’s issuance and official notification of the acquittal verdict, some of the legal pressure on the labor and environmental movements has eased at least on paper. However, concerns about the continued securitization of union activities in Kurdistan remain.