The Iranian regime is despatching security forces to quash protests by striking workers at the Haft Tapeh (Saba atlal) sugar cane factory.
Around 2,500 workers, mostly Ahwazi Arabs, have held three days of protest in Shoush (Susa).
Abu Al-Fazel Abidini, an independent journalist from Ahwaz, told Radio Farda : "Special forces came to the region from Ahwaz city and other cities. Some of the forces are based in Khansari, some at the factory and the rest in different areas in Shoush."
He added that the security forces were filming the protesting workers in order to pursue them later.
Four workers were arrested on Sunday but later released. The Shoush governor has threatened mass arrests if the protests continue. Workers have called on the provincial governor to block the sale of sugar cane plantations in order to protect the industry, which sustains thousands of households. However, the governor has refused to intervene.
A worker who wished to remain anonymous said: "Government forces have tried to prevent the protests but they have failed. The governor told the workers that the issue is out of his hands and that the security services will take action against the workers who he claims want a riot. This means that our demands for wages are regarded as an act of disorder and anyone who seek his rights he should be beaten. Are the workers slaves to work without payment?"Ù
Click here for further information on the protests in Haft Tapeh
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keywords: ahvaz ahwaz ahwazi arabistan khuzestan khuzistan khuzestani arab arabistan iran iranian human rights security oil news ahmadinejad ethnic cleansing
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