Transfer of Ali Nejati, Imprisoned Member of Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Workers' Board, to Hospital

The Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Workers' Syndicate reported that Ali Nejati, a board member of this syndicate who had been detained by security forces and was 'under interrogation and pressure,' was transferred to a hospital on Thursday, December 22. The syndicate announced on Friday via its Telegram channel that Mr. Nejati has developed a 'heart problem.' According to the report, Ali Nejati suffers from 'multiple illnesses including heart disease and his continued detention poses a serious threat to his health and life.' Ali Nejati was arrested on the morning of Thursday, December 8, and afterward, his lawyer Farzaneh Zilabi reported that her client was charged with 'disturbing public order,' 'gathering and colluding against national security,' and 'participating in the formation of a group aimed at disrupting security.' Meanwhile, the Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Workers' Syndicate noted that Mr. Nejati was arrested due to a gathering of workers from this company and stated that he is retired, residing in another city, and undergoing medical treatment. The syndicate called on all Haft Tappeh sugarcane workers, labor organizations, and workers in Iran and around the world, as well as relevant institutions, to work for the release of Ali Nejati and also Sepideh Gholian, who was arrested for expressing solidarity with the families of Haft Tappeh workers. The Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Workers' Syndicate had previously announced that Ismail Bakhshi, the representative of the workers of this company, and Sepideh Gholian, a civil activist, had been 'severely beaten and subjected to intense psychological and physical pressure.' Ismail Bakhshi was released on Wednesday, December 21, but Sepideh Gholian, who was arrested alongside him, remains imprisoned.