According to a report publicised by the Haft Tappeh Sugar Cane Workers’ Union on May 19th, all Haft Tappeh workers who were arrested during the past few days while protesting in or near the sugar complex have now been released on bail.
However, Esmail Bakhshi and Sepideh Gholian are still not free. Mr Bakhshi and Ms Gholian, who have been imprisoned since their re-arrest on January 20th 2019, were initially arrested in November 2018 during the bold and militant – but peaceful – strike of the Haft Tappeh Sugar Cane workers. Esmail Bakhshi is a union rep who played a leading role in the strike. During his first detention he was tortured, drugged and denied medical attention. Sepideh Gholian is a student, social rights’ activists and journalist who has supported and reported on the Haft Tappeh workers’ strike. Her interrogators have beaten her and subjected her to degrading and humiliating treatment, including many sexual insults.
The Shahrokh Zamani Action Campaign strongly condemns the continued incarceration of Esmail Bakhshi and Sepideh Gholian. We call on all trade unionists, socialists and other political activists to help us in defending the rights of all workers, social rights’ activists and political prisoners in Iran.
Free Esmail Bakhshi and Sepideh Gholian now!
Shahrokh Zamani Action Campaign
20 May 2019
Source: Haft Tappeh Sugar Cane Workers’ Union’s Telegram channel
Shahrokh Zamani Action Campaign 