Hunger Strike of 55 Political Prisoners in Evin Prison; 'Front Line Defenders' Calls for Cancellation of Sharifeh Mohammadi's Death Sentence

The Syndicate of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company announced in a statement that a hunger strike by dozens of political prisoners in Evin Prison began on Thursday, July 21, in protest against the 'unjust death sentence against imprisoned labor activist, Sharifeh Mohammadi.' Meanwhile, 'Front Line Defenders' called for the cancellation of Sharifeh Mohammadi's death sentence. According to this statement, the hunger strike involves 55 political prisoners in Evin Prison, including 30 from the women's ward and 25 from the men's ward 4. The syndicate once again urged all workers and independent labor and civil organizations, as well as human rights defenders in Iran and around the world, to condemn the 'unjust death sentence' against Sharifeh Mohammadi and demand its immediate cancellation and her unconditional release along with other labor and civil activists. Front Line Defenders described the death sentence for Sharifeh Mohammadi, a labor activist imprisoned in Lakan Prison in Rasht, as shocking and called for its immediate and unconditional cancellation. In a statement published on their website, they condemned the death sentence against this labor activist, attributing it to her human rights and labor activities. Additionally, it was reported that more than 50 political prisoners in Evin are on hunger strike in protest against Sharifeh Mohammadi's death sentence. Front Line Defenders emphasized the need for the immediate and unconditional cancellation of her death sentence and urged Iranian authorities to ensure that her treatment during detention complies with international laws. Earlier, the 'Campaign to Defend Sharifeh Mohammadi' reported on her torture in prison, while Iranian security and judicial officials have remained silent on this matter. In this context, Front Line Defenders stressed the necessity of conducting an impartial investigation into the allegations of torture against this political prisoner and holding responsible officials accountable. The Australian Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union called for the cancellation of Sharifeh Mohammadi's death sentence. In a protest letter addressed to the Iranian ambassador in Canberra, Australia’s capital, the union criticized the issuance of this sentence, stating that the Iranian Islamic government has suppressed protests from workers, teachers, nurses, retirees, drivers, and students, leading to soaring unemployment and inflation, and widening poverty and class gaps. They noted that unions and professional organizations in Iran are illegal, and the right to protest is illegal in the country. The Australian union emphasized that the Islamic Republic has 'aimed guns at rightful protests' over the past four decades, stating that 'your government has killed and injured thousands during the Woman, Life, Freedom uprising, arresting, torturing, and executing many.' The statement highlighted that Iran ranks at the bottom of global press freedom. The Australian union also stated their belief that Sharifeh Mohammadi is 'a victim of the suppression of workers by the Iranian government, which seeks to deny their right to organize and protest.' The statement called on the Iranian government to 'respect the right of workers to form organizations and their right to protest without fear of persecution, harassment, and intimidation.' So far, numerous activists, labor organizations, and domestic and international human rights entities have called for the cancellation of Ms. Mohammadi's death sentence, labeling it as 'medieval' and 'criminal.' Recently, three imprisoned members of the Syndicate of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company described the issuance of the death sentence for Sharifeh Mohammadi as 'shameless and insane' and demanded her 'immediate and unconditional' release. Additionally, according to the Syndicate of Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Workers, Ali Nejati, a retired worker from the Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Workers' Syndicate, stated: 'Sharifeh Mohammadi is a woman, a worker, and a defender of workers' rights and has committed no crime.' This labor activist emphasized the necessity of Ms. Mohammadi's freedom, stating: 'Helping workers to establish independent organizations is the duty of all honorable people' and stressed that 'with baseless accusations, Sharifehs will not be silenced.' Sharifeh Mohammadi, who was a member of the 'Coordination Committee for Helping to Establish Labor Organizations' over a decade ago, was arrested in December of last year and sentenced to death on July 14 by the Revolutionary Court of Rasht on charges of 'baghi.' This sentence was issued based on accusations from the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence regarding her alleged membership in 'Komala,' which has been strongly denied by Ms. Mohammadi, her husband, Siros Fathi, and Komala. The Coordination Committee for Helping to Establish Labor Organizations, of which Sharifeh Mohammadi was a member in the 1980s, also rejected the charges against her. Reports indicate that she has been tortured, and government agents have accused her of 'membership in the armed Komala group' without any evidence. The 'National Committee for the Abolition of Sharifeh Mohammadi's Death Sentence' announced its establishment on Wednesday, July 20. In its statement, referring to widespread protests inside and outside Iran against the issuance of the death sentence for Sharifeh Mohammadi and the formation of campaigns and movements alongside protests, it stated that 'every day the wave of protests and resistance against the brutal rulings of the ruling class in Iran has intensified.' The 'National Committee for the Abolition of Sharifeh Mohammadi's Death Sentence' noted that this organization was established in meetings of activists and supporters of the working class in various European countries, the USA, Canada, and Australia, and that it is necessary to 'stand against the Islamic Republic in every way possible and with all available means in different cities and countries.' The statement called for the immediate freedom of Sharifeh Mohammadi, imprisoned workers, and all political prisoners, and demanded the closure of prisons, the abolition of arrests, torture, and executions.