Amnesty International Calls for Release of Imprisoned Civil and Labor Activists in Iran
Amnesty International issued a statement on the occasion of International Workers’ Day (May 1st), calling on the Islamic Republic authorities to immediately release workers and civil activists who were detained during strikes and other peaceful protests.
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 31st, Amnesty International stated that since last year’s International Workers’ Day until now, Iranian authorities have detained hundreds of workers and labor rights defenders, noting that these detentions are considered unlawful and arbitrary under international law.
The organization stated that in addition to courts imposing prison sentences on dozens of people, at least 38 flogging sentences have also been issued, describing these actions as “part of an organized campaign by authorities to suppress public protests.”
The human rights organization further referenced the names of detained labor rights activists and civil activists, as well as prison and flogging sentences against them, and stated: “Iran’s authorities must initiate impartial, independent and effective investigations into complaints of torture and mistreatment of labor rights activists, including Ismail Bakhshi and Sepideh Ghaleyan, and prosecute those responsible in fair trials.”
Amnesty International also called on Islamic Republic authorities to remove unlawful barriers to the formation of independent trade unions and allow workers to participate in peaceful gatherings and exercise their right to join independent unions.
Source: Voice of America
