An Additional Prison Sentence; Mansour Osanloo’s Wife Pleads to International Bodies for His Release

Prominent labor activist Mansour Osanloo’s prison sentence has been extended while he remains in prison serving an earlier sentence. In an interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, his wife, Parvaneh Osanloo, expressed outrage at her husband’s increased prison term and asked international organizations to pursue his freedom. Last week, Osanloo was transferred to court to be tried on the charge of “propagating against the regime,” and was sentenced to one year in prison. He is currently serving a five year prison term.

“Based on promises made to international organizations by authorities such as the Minister of Labor and Head of the Judiciary for Mansour Osanloo’s release, myself and other family members were counting days to
his freedom. The new sentence is a complete surprise to us,” said Osanloo’s wife.

“He is currently serving a prison sentence on the same charge of ‘propagating against the regime.’ How is such a thing possible?,” she added.

Mr. Osanloo’s wife went to the weekly visitation with him last Thursday. According to Parvaneh Osanloo, his general condition seemed good. “He said the prison authorities have started a new case file against him. He said that Branch One of the Revolutionary Courts has issued a one-year prison term for him in continuation of his existing sentence, and that he has been informed of the sentencing in prison. His lawyers, Messrs Molaee and Khorshid went to Branch One of the Islamic Revolutionary Courts, but the Judge did not allow them to read the file. They are supposed to return to the branch again this week to read the case file and to submit their appeal bill,” said Osanloo’s wife.

Mansour Osanloo’s lawyers were unaware of his new case at the Revolutionary Courts. “We are very upset by this situation. We demand a reconsideration of this sentence,” continued Parvaneh Osanloo. The Medical Examiner has voted three times to end Mansour Osanloo’s incarceration, but against existing laws, Mansour Osanloo has not yet been released.