More than 10 sacked Petropars workers have been flogged in Hoveyzeh, in Khuzestan province.
These workers had previously been arrested by the Iranian regime’s repressive forces following protests against Petropars not renewing their contracts. Following these arrests, Petropars filed a legal case against them for “obstructing the highway” and “causing damage”.
On July 4th, they were sentenced to 74 lashes and a fine of 20 million tomans ($110). According to HRANA, these sentences have now been carried out.
These workers, who mostly have BSc and MSc degrees and have been working for several years in the construction and commissioning of the South Azadegan oil field facilities, faced unemployment after their projects ended. They therefore gathered many times outside the Khuzestan Governorate in Ahvaz, the Hoveyzeh Governorate, and other regime institutions protesting against their firing and their employment contracts not being renewed. According to them, workers from other provinces, including Gilan and Fars, have replaced the local workers.
Despite the floggings and fines, these workers continue to hold weekly protests outside Petropars, demanding that their demands be addressed and that they return to work.
Petropars is the company managing the first phase of the development of the central section of the South Azadegan oil field in Khuzestan province.
By the grace of Caesar, we are free
The Shahrokh Zamani Action Campaign strongly condemns the sacking, arrest, unjust sentencing and brutal and medieval punishment of the Petropars workers. Sadly, there is nothing new in this type of barbaric treatment. The Iranian regime has whipped and lashed workers, women and artists many times.
Today, in Iran, “By the grace of Caesar, we are free” – a saying from almost 2000 years ago – is a true description of daily life for workers, women, national minorities, youth and artists. We urge all trade unionists, socialists and other political activists to help us in defending the rights of all workers, political prisoners and social rights activists in Iran.
Shahrokh Zamani Action Campaign
12 October 2026
Source: HRANA – Human Rights Activists News Agency
