“Stop the deception! Shame on you!” – sugar cane workers tell representatives of Islamic Republic of Iran

 

On 1^st December 2018, striking sugar cane workers of Haft Tapeh in Khuzestan province, Iran, continued to protest on the 27^th day of their strike.

Under pressure of the workers, a representative of the general director of the corporation and Reza Madadi, deputy CEO of Haft Tapeh corporation, were forced to attend the workers’ assembly at the complex.

The corporation’s representatives tried to calm the workers with promises but the agitated workers said that they have already announced that the release of Esmaeil Bakhshi, the leader and elected representative of their council, Ali Nejati, secretary of their union, and Sepideh Gholiyan, student and activist, is a precondition to any talks.

At the same time, another group of striking workers along with members of the public were protesting in front of the governor’s office of Shush city. Despite the presence of armed forces, the workers and the people appeared united and strong. They chanted “Free imprisoned workers” and other slogans against injustice and in support of Esmaeil Bakhshi.

Whilst the workers fight to get rid of the private sector and run the corporation under supervision of the Workers’ Council, the state media reports that the corporation’s management is changing. The workers are determined to stick to their demands and decisions of their council and continue to protest.

The workers exposed attempts by the regime to divide the workers through regime agents bringing banners to the protests that show the heads of the Islamic Republic.

The striking workers say: “Bakhshi is our flag in our gatherings! As we have been chanting: imprisoned workers must be freed! Bakhshi and Nejati must be released!”

“How shameful of you to try to visit Esmaeil’s family! You can’t void Esmail! Stop the deception!”, the striking workers responded to another attempt by the authorities to break the unity of the workers, as a member of the Islamic Majles (parliament) and representatives of Student Basij tried to visit the family of Esmaeil Bakhshi.

Many more have sent in their messages of support and solidarity with the workers of Haft Tapeh and for the release of Esmaeil Bakhshi and the others. Mina Ahadi of the Worker-communist Party of Iran has also started an international campaign for the release of Ismaeil Bakhshi.

 

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