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Free the retired worker Esmail Gerami
Iran

Free the retired worker Esmail Gerami

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Solidaires (CM)

It was July 2020, following the protests of the previous years, the retired spontaneously organized a rally in front of the Social Security Organization and demanded an increase in salaries according to inflation, efficient insurance and free health care system, etc. thanks to their continuing struggle the government was forced to take few measures and the health benefits were slightly increased, but the increase in the price of consumer goods and the soaring inflation made this salary increase ineffective.

The protesting gatherings continued and Esmail Gerami, member of the Pensioners Council, like other retirees, demanded a wage increase according to the inflation rate. With the spread of protests and the lack of any response by the officials, the authorities thought that by arresting the jailing the protestors, will create an intimidating and insecure atmosphere and they will prevent the protest actions of the pensioners! Under this circumstance, on April 7, 2021 Esmail Gerami was arrested, After a few days of interrogation and solitary confinement, this retired worker was transferred to Tehran prison and after three months of detention, he was sentenced to 6 years in prison, of which 4 years enforceable, 74 lashes, and a 2 million tomans fine for “assembly and collusion against the state”. Esmail is 69 years old.

 However, the pensioners continued to protest and pursue their demands, showing that despite the security forces harassments and intimidations, they pursue their demands.

Now, two years later, we are facing with a 500% increase in inflation while increase in wages is limited only a 300%. Esmail Gerami was arrested and convicted for expressing the above fact. Is it fair?

Freedom for Esmail Gerami is his inalienable and legal right. Hi only crime is, like other retirees, peaceful participating in the protest gatherings of retirees to follow the legal demand in articulated in Article 27 of the Constitution.

We retirees demand his unconditional freedom.

Signed by more than twenty Pensioners associations

Persan

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