It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Stephanie Smith after her courageous battle with a serious illness.
On behalf of Free Them Now, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, her friends, her colleagues, and to everyone at BCGEU.
Over the years, through our close relationship with your union, we had the privilege of working with Stephanie and witnessing first-hand her unwavering commitment to workers’ rights and international solidarity. She was a steadfast supporter of the Free Them Now campaigns for imprisoned workers in Iran and of the struggles of Iranian workers and people for freedom and justice.
Stephanie publicly expressed her solidarity with the Woman, Life, Freedom revolution through powerful statements and by addressing our solidarity rally in Vancouver. She consistently stood with the people of Iran against repression and injustice.
She was also a dedicated supporter of Free Them Now’s campaigns defending Iranian workers. She joined us in condemning the imprisonment, torture, executions, and flogging of workers and activists by the anti-worker Islamic Republic. Through her passionate statements, she strongly supported our campaign to expel the Islamic regime from the ILO.
Stephanie Smith’s name became familiar to countless workers in Iran through Free Them Now’s television programmes, where her messages of solidarity were regularly shared. Many Iranian workers came to know and admire her. On numerous occasions, workers asked us about her health and well-being because they regarded her as a true friend and supporter of their struggle.
With Stephanie’s passing, we have lost not only a valued ally but also a dear friend whose compassion, courage, and unwavering solidarity inspired us all. Her commitment to justice and to working people everywhere will never be forgotten.
Please accept our deepest sympathies during this difficult time. We mourn with you and honour Stephanie Smith’s remarkable legacy. Her voice, her principles, and her solidarity will continue to live on in the struggles she so passionately supported.
With our deepest sympathy and solidarity,
Free Them Now
Campaign to Free Jailed Workers in Iran