All Haft-Tapeh protestors in Iran must be released immediately

After months of being kept in prison without trial, the Islamic Republic has finally declared 3 August as the date of the court hearing for those held in connection with the protests of the workers of Haft Tapeh sugar plants.

The 40 years of the rule of the Islamic Republic has shown that the puppet show of what the authorities call judiciary process bears no resemblance to a fair trial. In Iran, the authorities comprehend, arrest and interrogate first, and then decide on the charge; there is no recognition of the rights of those arrested; defence lawyers are themselves prosecuted for defending anyone who has protested against the Islamic Republic; in Iran court rulings and sentences are passed often without a hearing, etc.

 There is no doubt that this time again, the outcome of the courts on 3 August is not based on their individual cases, but most certainly a reflection of the situation in the country and the balance of forces.

 Kidnapping, apprehension and then hearings after months being held without charge, only show the response of the Islamic Republic to anyone who protests against unprecedented poverty, unemployment, and lack of basic rights that have been imposed on the vast majority of people in the country.

 Today, with the announcement of the hearing date, it is paramount that the Islamic Republic be forced to recognise that these prisoners are not alone, and not only the protesting people in Iran, but the whole world is keeping a close watch on this hearing. Nothing other than a complete release is acceptable.

 To date an international campaign, from the UK, France, Sweden to Brazil, has been continuously calling for an end to these imprisonments. We urge all unions, workers’ organisations, and all freedom-loving people to put further pressure on the Islamic Republic to end the persecution of anyone who protests against the current situation in Iran. We urge you to do all in your power to end these apprehensions and release all these political prisoners. We urge you all to support the protest actions that are being held on the 3 August for release of the political prisoners in Iran.

 Worker-communist Party of Iran - Hekmatist Party (official line) – Organisation Abroad

 July 27, 2019