Iranian oil workers on strike
Workers of an Iranian oil company went on strike on Monday as anti-government demonstrations infiltrated essential sectors of the country's economy.
The Wall Street Journal reported that dozens of employees at a factory in Iran's Bushehr province blocked roads as part of an anti-government protest.
According to various posts on social media, the protesting workers shouted: Do not be afraid. We stand together" and "Death to the Dictator."
Iranian media, Tasnim, described Monday's incident as a salary dispute between the factory and its 700 employees. It is unclear how production at the complex has been affected since the start of the strike.
The newspaper reported that Iranian government officials did not comment on the demonstration.
It was the first time that anti-government protests spread across the country in the critical oil sector. However, retail outlets and small businesses have closed their operations to support the ongoing protests.
Tensions between Iranian citizens and authorities have risen amid protests that initially erupted after Mahsa Amini's death, which have expanded into calls for an end to state violence and discrimination against women and for regime change.
The Iranian non-profit Human Rights Organization said 185 people had been killed during the protests as of October 6, including at least 19 children, with the most significant number in Sistan and Baluchestan provinces in southeastern Iran.
Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian national, died in police custody last month after authorities arrested her for improperly wearing the hijab, which violated Iran's strict dress code for women.
According to a report by the United Nations Human Rights Office, Amini collapsed and died after spending three days in the custody of Iran's morality police. The United Nations also noted that Amini was "severely beaten" while in detention.
Iranian officials have denied allegations of torture and ill-treatment in Amini's death, saying that the Iranian national died of a heart attack while in police custody.
US officials, among others, have denounced Iran for its treatment of women and its tactics to disperse protesters and impose sanctions on the country during the protests.
Post a Comment