Appeal for Review of Sentences for 9 Workers from Bafq Iron Mine

A court in Yazd sentenced nine workers from the Bafq iron ore mine to suspended prison terms and dozens of lashes. One of these workers, Mohammad Hassan Tashakori, a member of the Bafq City Council, was sentenced to 11 months in suspended prison and 50 lashes. The defense attorney for these workers told Radio Farda that the nine workers were acquitted of some serious charges but added that he would appeal these sentences in the appellate court. In an interview with Radio Farda, the lawyer provided details about the case and the issued sentences. Mohammad Ali Jadari-Faroghi (Tehran): The number of workers is nine, with Mr. Mohammad Hassan Tashakori being a prominent figure among them. Their charges were addressed in two separate cases, of which I represented seven of the nine. What were their sentences? According to a report, Mohammad Hassan Tashakori was sentenced to 11 months in suspended prison and 50 lashes, while the other eight workers received several months of suspended prison and several lashes. The court for my clients was held in a calm environment. If the trial had been held in Bafq, issues might have arisen. Instead, based on the Supreme Court's decision, this trial was held in Branch 105 of the Criminal Court 2 in Yazd. The Yazd iron ore company had filed complaints against several workers, but later withdrew its complaint. There was no initial complaint against Mr. Tashakori. It was planned to transfer shares of this company to the private sector. The objection, opinion, and demand of these workers (not just these nine but also the workers of the Bafq iron ore mine) was that part of the company's shares should also be allocated to the city's residents and workers. Even some local and city officials supported this issue. For Mr. Mohammad Hassan Tashakori, an 11-month suspended prison sentence was issued (meaning that if he does not commit a crime within five years, this sentence will not be executed) and also 50 lashes (suspended). One of the other workers received a 4-month prison sentence, while the rest received 30 lashes and 7 months of suspended prison (which is currently not executable). You mentioned that you will appeal this ruling. What is the basis of your objection and how will you proceed with the defense? See... there were much heavier charges in this case, which were rejected based on our defenses in court, and acquittals were issued for these charges. One or two remaining charges also have the same conditions. Because Article 618 of the Islamic Penal Code does not pertain to labor protests at all. This article relates to those who engage in violent acts in the city, create disturbances, and attack economic centers. It does not apply to a worker who protests in front of the company and mine, demanding their rights or asking for shares to be allocated to them, which are natural and professional demands of workers. The objection I have is this. There is no basis for the condemnation issued against the workers in this case. However, the head of Branch 105 did as much as he could to address the case; and I told him today that I will appeal your ruling again. Why? Because I am the workers' lawyer, and from my perspective, there is no legal basis for the condemnation of these workers. Overall, I can say that we must legally support the hardworking workers of Bafq County, which is a deprived area where most of them are employed in mining. It is unacceptable for them to receive sentences like lashes and imprisonment. Our lawyer colleagues should also know that it is possible to defend workers' rights, but within the framework of the law and in courts. Workers are a class that is in the weakest social status, especially in the Bafq area, where many are employed in mining.