With great pleasure we announce the release of Esmail Bakhshi and 6 other workers’ related detainees in recent days. Esmaeil Bakhshi the well-known representative of Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane workers was released on October 30, and Sepideh Gholiyan , Amir Amir Gholi, Amir Hosein Mohammadi Fard, Sanaz Allahyari Sugar cane workers’ supporters and Atefeh Rangriz , Marzyeh Amiri May day detainees were released on October 26 on bail. Free Them Now (FTN) congratulates all of them, their family, Sugar cane workers in Haft Tapeh and all the workers and those who supported and campaigned for their freedom.
One important point is that these detainees are released on bail and the heavy prison sentences against them still remain unchanged. But their release from prison came under pressure from the workers’ protests, especially the Haft Tapeh sugar cane workers and also it was a result of a worldwide campaign in solidarity with them.
Workers and people in Iran now appreciate this success against the Islamic regime and demand their unconditional release. We call for complete cancelation of court sentences against these activists and return of bails to their owners. We demand the closure of all security cases for labour activists, teachers and all political prisoners.
Still two of the prisoners related to these cases are in jail: Ms Asal Mohammadi, a supporter of sugar cane workers and Ms Neda Naji a detainee of May Day are still in jail. Ali Nejati, a we;; known member of the Haft Tapeh Sugar cane Syndicate, is going to be tried again. Also many of the May Day and Haft Tapeh sugar cane detainees and other labour activists have received jail sentences and have security convictions over their head. Security cases and prison sentences must be completely dropped . Asal Mohammadi, Neda Naji, Jafar Azimzadeh, Esmaeil Abdi, Mohammad Habibi, Atena Daemi, and all other jailed workers and teachers should be released immediately. All political prisoners must be released unconditionally immediately. .
Free Them Now (FTN) would like to thank all international workers unions and human rights organisations that have responded and actively supported our campaign to free jailed workers in Iran.
Campaign to Free Jailed Workers in Iran (Free Them Now FTN)
Novemverl 1, 2019