The Tehran Province Appeals Court (Branch 31) has upheld the fine imposed on Esmail Garami, a labor activist imprisoned in Evin Prison. Previously, Branch 1027 of the Tehran Criminal Court had sentenced him to pay a fine of 20 million tomans.
According to Kolbarnews, the appeals court confirmed Esmail Garami’s sentence for “disturbing public order and peace through organizing gatherings of Social Security retirees.” He has been ordered to pay 20 million tomans to the state treasury. This sentence was originally issued by the lower court on July 7, 2024.
On August 8, Garami’s home was searched by security forces, during which some of his personal belongings, including his laptop, mobile phone, and ID card, were confiscated. He was summoned to the Shahid Moghaddas Prosecutor’s Office at Evin.
On August 11, Garami was arrested upon appearing at the prosecutor’s office and was initially held in the quarantine ward of Evin Prison. Two days later, he was transferred to Ward 4 of the prison.
In September 2024, in a separate case, Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, sentenced him to one year of imprisonment. The hearing for this case took place on August 28.
Esmail Garami has faced multiple arrests and legal actions in the past due to his labor activism. His current charges stem from organizing protests advocating for retirees’ rights and better living conditions.
