International Labor Organizations: The Iranian Regime Intensified Repression Amid the Gaza War

Several international labor organizations and trade unions expressed concern in a joint statement about the escalation of executions and repression in Iran. They stated that the 'dictatorial regime in Tehran' has intensified its crackdown in response to public anger over the economic crisis, taking advantage of global public attention being diverted to the ongoing war in Gaza. The statement noted: 'The Iranian government, in an effort to instill fear among the people, has increased the number of executions, with over 120 individuals executed since October 7, including dozens of political opponents and social activists. The number of arrests of labor activists on false pretenses has significantly increased, retirees are being suppressed for holding peaceful protests, and the list of detainees and prisoners grows longer every day to intimidate the people and force them to retreat from their demands.' The international organizations identified women as the first victims of Iran's authoritarian and patriarchal regime, emphasizing that 'international solidarity is essential. We call on all organizations and individuals defending human rights and workers' rights to protest against Iranian officials and reiterate our solidarity with the victims of repression, strongly condemning the intolerable policy of repression.' These organizations concluded by calling for the abolition of the death penalty and the annulment of all unjust convictions that violate fundamental rights and freedoms, emphasizing the immediate and unconditional release of all activists imprisoned due to their beliefs or for their union and civil activities. The human rights organization Hengaw reported at least 122 executions in Iran last month, indicating a more than 50% increase in executions compared to the previous month. Hengaw reported on Saturday, December 2, that the execution of 122 individuals in November compared to 78 executions in October represents a 56.5% increase in the number of executions last month. According to Hengaw, approximately half of those executed last month were drug offenders. The report also noted that at least 11 political and religious prisoners, 2 juvenile offenders, and 2 women were among those executed in November. The increase in executions in Iran has faced criticism from human rights organizations, the United Nations, and various countries. The European Union, on Friday, December 1, described the current pace of executions in Iran - at least 600 since the beginning of this year - as 'horrific' and called for an end to this 'cruel and inhumane' punishment. The ongoing trend of increasing executions of protesters in Iran has accelerated following the Gaza war. The continuation of execution orders in Iran occurs despite international criticism.