Ismail Bakhshi's Health Reported as 'Very Critical'

The independent channel of the Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Workers reported that Ismail Bakhshi, the representative of the workers of this company, is in 'very critical' condition, but judicial and security officials are refusing to release him despite a bail order. According to this Telegram channel, Mr. Bakhshi was 'under treatment for various illnesses' before his arrest. The independent channel of Haft Tappeh workers stated that 'judicial and security officials are creating conditions for Ismail Bakhshi... not only to remain silent but also to be in a semi-conscious state for a long time, delaying his release through continued hostage-taking and harassment.' This group of Haft Tappeh sugarcane workers announced their intention to hold a gathering in support of Ismail Bakhshi and Sepideh Qolian. Sepideh Qolian, a civil activist who was arrested alongside Ismail Bakhshi and several other Haft Tappeh workers during labor protests, has also described the torture she and Ismail Bakhshi endured. Ismail Bakhshi and Sepideh Qolian were arrested for the second time on Sunday, January 30, shortly after their statements about being tortured were made. This arrest followed the broadcast of their forced confessions on the program 'Burnt Design' on Iranian television. More than 800 political and civil activists, along with several independent labor and professional organizations in Iran and Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called for the release of these two individuals. Meanwhile, on Saturday, a group of Iranians in Amsterdam, Netherlands, gathered in support of political prisoners and labor activists, condemning the arrest and torture of Ismail Bakhshi and Sepideh Qolian. Last Tuesday, Jafar Azimzadeh, the secretary of the board of the Free Workers Union of Iran, and Parvin Mohammadi, the deputy secretary of this labor organization, were arrested by security forces in Pardis, Karaj. Mohammad Ali Jodari Foroughi, Mr. Azimzadeh's lawyer, stated in an interview with Radio Farda that this labor activist was arrested to serve a six-year prison sentence. According to Mr. Jodari Foroughi, the six-year prison sentence was issued while this labor activist had been acquitted in another case with similar charges.