Free Workers Union Protests Continued Legal Persecution of Labor Day Rally Detainees
The Free Workers Union of Iran and the Human Rights Defenders Center issued separate statements calling on Iranian government authorities to end the legal prosecution of those arrested during International Workers’ Day gatherings and to release imprisoned labor activists.
In recent weeks, several labor activists including Hirad Peirbadaq, Asal Mohammadi, Mahmoud Salehi, and Osman Ismaili have been summoned and arrested by security agencies following International Workers’ Day rallies.
The Free Workers Union of Iran, referring to the detention of at least 30 labor activists, the issuance of legal prosecution orders against some activists, and the establishment of legal cases against these individuals, stated that these arrests are a continuation of the “repression and revenge of the regime.”
The union has also called for the immediate and unconditional release of Mahmoud Salehi, Osman Ismaili, and Hirad Peirbadaq, labor activists who are imprisoned.
The Human Rights Defenders Center also issued a statement condemning the suppression and arrest of workers, the prevention of their gatherings, and the treatment of supporters and labor activists and lawyers defending these citizens, while noting that discrimination against workers and their suppression has a long history in the Islamic Republic.
International Workers’ Day, corresponding to May 1st and falling on Saturday, Ordibehesht 11th, is a day when extensive gatherings are held annually around the world to honor workers.
Workers around the world make efforts on this day through peaceful marches and gatherings to make their voices heard by country leaders and officials and to raise their demands. However, in Iran in recent years, labor gatherings have been accompanied by suppression and legal persecution of union activists.
Source: Radio Farda
