Author: Roman Mireki
Mahmoud Salehi, a prominent Kurdish labor activist, has been a key figure in the Iranian labor movement since the 1978 revolution. Despite facing numerous arrests and severe health issues due to his activism, Salehi continues to fight for labor rights. His experiences highlight the harsh conditions and persistent struggles faced by labor activists in Kurdistan.
Labor activists in Kurdistan face several significant challenges today:
- Arbitrary Arrests and Detentions: Activists are often subjected to arbitrary arrests and detentions by security forces.
- Harassment and Intimidation: Activists and their families frequently face harassment and intimidation from authorities.
- Suppression of Protests: Protests are often met with violent crackdowns.
- Economic Hardships: The deteriorating economic conditions in the region, including unpaid public sector salaries, exacerbate the struggles of labor activists.
- Limited Freedom of Expression: There are significant restrictions on freedom of expression.
These challenges create a hostile environment for labor activism, making it difficult for activists to organize and advocate for workers’ rights effectively.
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