Arrest of Labor Activists by Security Forces in Sanandaj
The Free Union of Workers reported the arrest of labor activists by security forces in Sanandaj.
On the morning of Wednesday, July 12, 2023 (21st of Tir 1402), “Rebar Abdollahi,” a Sanandaj resident and labor activist, was arrested by security forces. His arrest took place near “Hasanabad” and he has been transferred to an unknown location.
It should be noted that the security forces carried out his arrest based on a court order, and so far no information has been released regarding the charges against him or his place of detention.
Rafiq Salimi is also a labor activist in the bakery sector who was arrested in December 2022 and is currently being held in Sanandaj Central Prison. In April 2023, he was summoned to court to be informed of his charges, which include “forming illegal groups, acting against national security, and corruption on earth.” However, he has not only rejected all the charges against him but has also refuted them. According to the Free Union of Workers, Rafiq Salimi’s court hearing is scheduled for Sunday, July 16, 2023 (25th of Tir 1402).
The reason for increased pressure by the regime’s security institutions on professional activists, particularly workers and teachers, remains unclear.
