Release of 46 Workers from Ahvaz Prison; 10 Others Detained Due to Complaints from Parliament Representatives

The Free Workers Union of Iran announced the release of 46 workers from the National Industrial Steel Group in Ahvaz, stating that a number of other workers gathered in front of the Ahvaz judiciary on Thursday, June 14, to demand the release of their imprisoned colleagues. According to reports, 46 workers were released on bail on the night of June 13, while as of Thursday evening, 10 workers from this industrial unit remained in Ahvaz Central Prison. These 10 workers are imprisoned due to complaints from parliament representatives in Ahvaz, who accused the detained workers of breaking the windows of their offices. The Free Workers Union of Iran reported that the workers from the National Industrial Steel Group have stated they will continue their protests until their imprisoned colleagues are freed. Earlier reports indicated that more than 60 workers from the National Industrial Steel Group were arrested on the night of June 11 and the day of June 12 by special forces. Eight of the detainees had been released earlier. The Free Workers Union of Iran also reported that four of the detainees were 'severely beaten' after being transferred to the drug enforcement detention center, and 'one of the injured was bleeding, but no effort was made to send him to medical care.' The union also noted that another worker was attacked by 'intelligence police with a stun gun.' So far, these incidents have not been denied by the authorities of the law enforcement, intelligence police, or judiciary in Ahvaz. Meanwhile, there has been no news regarding the end of the new round of protests by the workers of the National Industrial Steel Group. These workers have been protesting for several months over unpaid wages and the actions of the private owner of this unit, staging strikes, gatherings, and marches. In the meantime, the Free Workers Union of Iran reported that the wages for Esfand and Farvardin for the technicians and Farvardin for the workers of the National Industrial Steel Group were deposited on Wednesday. However, the wages for Esfand and Ordibehesht for the workers and the wages for Ordibehesht for the technicians of this large industrial unit have not been paid. According to ILNA, four thousand workers from this large industrial unit are also demanding clarification on the ownership status of the company and the resolution of their supplementary insurance and social security issues. Reports indicate that due to unpaid insurance premiums, their medical insurance cards are not being renewed. Additionally, the ownership status of the National Industrial Steel Group remains unclear. Officials from the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare and the Khuzestan governor's office have spoken about returning ownership to the National Bank, but reports indicate that Abdolreza Mousavi, the private owner, and his managers still remain in the company.