On the evening of Monday January 15th, as he was leaving work for home in Dezful, Esmail Bakhshi was attacked. Earlier on Monday Esmail Bakhshi, a representative of the Haft Tappeh Sugar Cane complex’s workers, had made a speech announcing the continuation of the strike until management meet the workers’ demands.
Several masked men, all with their faces covered, pulled up in the two cars and attacked him. In a statement Haft Tappeh Sugar Cane Workers’ Union said: “Fortunately Esmail Bakhshi has defended himself with great bravery – even though unarmed – and after a few minutes the people in the vicinity saw and heard what was happening, came to help Esmail. Seeing the people and Esmail Bakhshi’s resistance, the thug quickly left the area …”
Esmail Bakhshi’s left shoulder was hurt during the attack but he is otherwise well.
“We, the members of the Haft Tappeh Sugar Cane Workers’ Union, strongly condemn this barbaric act and know that the masked mercenaries and thugs are the protectors and paid servant of the owners of capital. But the thugs and the owners of power and money must know that the workers will never give up on their just demands.
“Long live workers’ unity and solidarity.”
Translation: Shahrokh Zamani Action Campaign.
Source: Haft Tappeh Sugar Cane Workers’ Union.
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