Iran: Dozens of workers and labour activists arrested at May Day gatherings in Iran
Published by Ali on May 3, 2021
International Liberty Association: Dozens of Iranian workers and labour activists were arrested in rallies marking International Labour Day in Tehran.
Labour rights activists Asal Mohammadi, Hirad Pirbodaghi, Saeed Malayeri, are among those arrested outside the Iran Labour Ministry. Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company has also confirmed the arrest of “dozens” of its members including Reza Shahabi, Hassan Saeedi, Vahid Fereidooni, Nasser Moharramzadeh, Seyyed Rasoul Talebmoghaddam, Mohammad Ali Aslaghi and Asdollah Soleymani.
The number of detainees is estimated at more than 30; however, a number of them were released minutes after their arrest.
From the early hours on 1 May, authorities dispatched a large number of security forces and anti-riot units outside the Labour Ministry to prevent a gathering marking International Labour Day.
According to an informed source, “before the gathering, security forces were present at the scene and tried to prevent the independent workers’ gathering. In fact, they tried to turn the Labour Day rally into a government ceremony that began with the recitation of the Qur’an and the playing of the anthem of the Iranian state, and were dedicated to praising the current situation of the workers and the actions of the government.”
The Free Union of Iranian Workers reported that Seth Amani, one of its members, was also arrested along with several others during a Labour Day gathering in Sanandaj, western Iran.
Despite the heavy presence of security forces, especially in Tehran, and many employees and workers being told they would be suspended or fired if they did not go to work, workers held organized protests in several cities in Iran including Isfahan, Tabriz, Sari, Qazvin, Arak, Kermanshah, Ahvaz, Shush, Yazd, Sanandaj, Karaj.
ILA: Participants chanted several slogans such as, “We’ve heard so many lies, but not seen our pay checks/pensions!”, “Our enemy is right here! They lie in saying its America!”, “We’re no longer voting after hearing so many lies!”, “Down with the oppressors, long live workers!”, “A nation has never seen this much injustice!”, “Enough empty promises! Our dining tables are empty!”
