21 Hepco Workers Released on Bond and Bail; Eight Workers Still Detained Over Labor Protest
While dozens of Hepco Arak workers were arrested during labor gatherings on Monday, reports indicate that a number of these workers were released on bail, but eight other workers remain detained.
The ILNA news agency reported on Thursday, September 28, that so far 21 arrested workers have been released on bail and bond; however, eight other Hepco workers remain in detention.
It was previously reported that judicial authorities requested 250 million tomans in bail for the release of Hepco workers.
Hepco workers were arrested during labor protests on Monday, September 25, when officials handled the demonstrations with violence.
On the other hand, the Haft Tappeh Workers’ Syndicate reported the summons and collective threats against a group of Azirab workers, noting that on Tuesday, Azirab workers along with a group of Hepco workers went to the company and showed support for Hepco workers in Arak.
Hepco workers have repeatedly staged protest gatherings in protest of their occupational conditions and unpaid wages, which have been met with violent and security confrontations by authorities.
The United States has repeatedly condemned Iran’s security-related handling of workers. The U.S. State Department also stated in a message that the Islamic Republic regime, with the amount it has spent in Syria, could have paid workers’ wages in Iran.
Source: Voice of America
