A regime that arrests, jails and flogs workers should not be in the ILO!
- Boycott the Islamic Republic of Iran at the ILO Conference!
The regime in Iran continues its persecution of worker activists – from more arrests to harassment of those already in jail and their families. The Islamic Republic has stepped up the arrest and summoning of activists amid rising protests against poverty, discrimination and the corruption in the regime. The following are the latest news from the recent arrests and summons:
45 workers arrested on May Day 2019
In the run-up to May 1st, the Islamic Republic arrested a number of workers in an attempt to prevent them from holding rallies on the International Workers’ Day. Despite the threats and intimidations, the workers’ organisations said that May Day is workers’ day and that it is their undeniable right to hold assemblies and to celebrate the day.
On May 1st, a large gathering of workers, teachers, retirees and students was held in front of the Islamic Majles (parliament) in Tehran. The participants raised banners against discrimination, inequality and capitalism, along with pictures of some of their jailed leaders and comrades: Esmaeil Bakhshi, Sepideh Gholiyan, Jafar Azimzadeh, Akram Nasirian and other activists.
The footages of the assembly and the brutal attack against the workers are being widely shared online, but still the Islamic Republic tries to justify the attack with its typical propaganda and misinformation, which is also used for making up conspiracy and criminal cases against the workers. The regime’s security forces attacked the protest and arrested 45 workers, students and retirees. Some were later released, but the remaining workers are still in jail, including: Keyvan Samimi, Marzieh Amiri, Atefeh Rangriz and Neda Naji.
On May 15th, Nahid Shaghaghi, one of the women’s rights activists from “Neday-e Zanan” (the Voice of Women) and voluntary supporters of flood victims were arrested.
On May 2nd, the assembly of teachers and retirees was attacked in Tehran and at least 8 people were arrested. Under the pressure of protests by the teachers, all the detainees were released on bail.
Renewed persecution of Haft Tapeh sugar cane workers following their recent protest gathering
– On May 9th, sugar cane workers of Haft Tapeh held an assembly in the factory in protest at the non-payment of wages and the heightened security atmosphere in the workplace. Following this assembly a number of workers were arrested, and later released on bail, on May 13th and May19th.
– On May 15th, Ali Nejati, a well-known worker activist and a member of the Sugar Cane Syndicate of Haft Tapeh, was summoned to attend an interrogation session at Evin Prosecutor’s Office in Tehran within five days, for his “last defence”.
Three members of the Writers Association of Iran sentenced to a total of 18 yeas in prison
– On May 15th, three members of the Writers Association of Iran, Reza Khandan Mahabadi, Bektash Abtin, and Keyvan Bazen were sentenced to a total of 18 years in prison (6 years each) for charges of “propaganda against the regime” and “gathering and conspiracy to commit crime against national security”.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has stepped up its persecution to silence the workers and activists’ struggles for basic and legitimate demands, such as getting paid for the work they do, right to free speech, right to organise, right to strike and the right to assembly.
Free Them Now! Campaign to Free Jailed Workers in Iran calls on all international workers’ and human rights organisations to strongly condemn the arrests and demand the immediate and unconditional release of all the arrested activists and workers.
Islamic Regime of Iran out of ILO!
Free Them Now! Campaign to Free Jailed Workers in Iran
Shahla.daneshfar2@gmail.com
May, 2019