Baseless Security Charges Against Mine Workers in ‘Aqdara’

Detained workers at the mines in the village of ‘Aqdara’ have faced baseless security charges from the government.

According to the ‘Shargh’ network, since August 9 of this year, a number of workers from the mines in ‘Aqdara Vasat’ village in West Azerbaijan province were arrested and transferred to prison following a protest gathering in front of the travertine stone mine regarding the demand for ’employment of local residents.’ The gathering was met with police intervention, which resulted in gunfire and the wounding of two residents.

26 of the workers were released on bail of 600 million tomans last week, but 6 of them remain detained in Urmia prison. It should be noted that the aforementioned individuals are workers from two gold and stone mines in Aqdara.

The charges brought against the workers as a result of their employment demand include ‘disruption of public order,’ ‘action against the country’s internal security,’ and the baseless charge of ‘kidnapping.’ According to the workers’ statements, the wages for July and August of those workers who participated in the aforementioned protest gathering have not been paid, and workers released from prison on bail are no longer allowed to work.

Their protest was regarding ‘permanent employment,’ which resulted in the employer’s complaint and the conviction of protesting workers, payment of fines, and the unjust implementation of flogging sentences. The aforementioned workers, given the continued detention of individuals still in prison, the reopening of legal cases against them, the legal proceedings, increased crackdowns, and baseless charges against them, have expressed concern.

Their concerns about the charges brought against them have caused distress to families. They believe that like the baseless charges that have been brought against people in nationwide protests and have resulted in the death and execution of some, they too may face similar circumstances. Workers who are merely seeking their rights, benefits, and permanent employment are now in the grip of fear for their lives.