21 Protesting Workers Arrested at Azarab Company; Workers Demand Release of Colleagues

Following the detention of 21 protesting workers from Azarab Company, a number of them gathered at the entrance of the company.

Azarab workers on Monday, October 20, during their gathering chanted “imprisoned workers must be freed” and demanded the release of their colleagues who were arrested during Sunday’s protest.

On Sunday, images and videos of an attack by police special forces units on the gathering of Azarab Company workers were released. The prosecutor of Arak confirmed on Monday that police had clashed with workers and stated that 21 Azarab workers were arrested during yesterday’s labor protests.

Protests at Azarab in Arak began in mid-September of this year. These workers, who had supported Hepco Arak workers in some of their protests, had previously been summoned and threatened.

Previously, ILNA had reported details of these workers’ demands, stating that they have not received wages for the months of June and July, and are also demanding part of their May wages.

Labor protests in Iran have increased following currency fluctuations and rising economic problems, and Islamic Republic officials have recently acknowledged the growing public discontent.

The United States has repeatedly condemned Iran’s security response to workers. The U.S. State Department also stated in a message that the Islamic Republic regime, with the money it has spent in Syria, could have paid workers’ wages in Iran.

Source: Voice of America