The Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), the largest labor organization in Italy with over five and a half million members, has issued a statement calling for the immediate repeal of the death sentence for “Sharifeh Mohammadi,” a renowned labor and civil activist, and her unconditional and immediate release from prison. Below is the translation of this statement:
On July 4th, “Sharifeh Mohammadi,” a labor and civil activist and former member of the “Coordinating Committee to Help Form Workers’ Organizations,” was sentenced to death on charges of rebellion (armed uprising). This verdict is not just the result of the opinion of an anonymous and ruthlessly inclined judge but part of the systematic actions and strategies of security agencies to spread fear and intimidation among social movements, aiming to sideline them in the future political developments in Iran.
This unexpected sentence against a labor activist has been issued at a critical juncture in the life of the Islamic Republic. After the controversial death of former President Ebrahim Raisi, a two-stage presidential election was held, resulting in the election of Massoud Pezeshkian. Western media continuously present him as a member of the self-proclaimed “reformist” faction. The reality, however, is different. It is clear that this so-called “new” portrayal of power in Iran is a tool in the hands of religious rulers to sell an image of Iran, especially in the West, that does not exist, while repression, violence, torture, and killings continue in the country.
The notable feature of the recent two-stage election was the low turnout. Iranian citizens, by not participating in the voting, invalidated the presidential election, which was a farce. The struggle of Iranian men and women in the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement and the low participation in this election reflect their desire for fundamental changes in the country.
The issuance of a death sentence for a labor and civil activist signifies the regime’s weakness, internal divisions, and emerging signs of instability. The goal of this sentence is to instill fear among civil society and political opponents and to force people into submission through coercion and violence.
It is estimated that in 2023, the death penalty was executed for 844 individuals in Iran. The actual number is undoubtedly higher. The regime tries to control and suppress the workforce in Iran through yellow labor unions. Despite this, hundreds of protests and 32 labor strikes reportedly took place that same year.
Dozens of labor activists are imprisoned, and many others, along with their families, have been forced to leave the country and live in exile due to the fear of retaliation, harassment, and violence.
The death sentence for “Sharifeh Mohammadi” and other political prisoners and protesters must be immediately and unconditionally repealed. The struggle to overturn this sentence and secure the release of “Sharifeh Mohammadi” and other labor and civil activists is a critical and defining area in the Iranian workers’ fight for change and the achievement of a free, just, and prosperous society.
Narges Mohammadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, wrote in an open letter from Evin Prison in late November last year, quoting Gramsci: “Indifference is the dead weight of history.” We must respond strongly against repression: we call for international action to immediately repeal the death sentence for “Sharifeh Mohammadi” and secure her immediate release from prison.
In our capacity as the Italian General Confederation of Labour, we will continue to amplify the voice of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement in the coming months, in collaboration with other international organizations, and express our empathy and solidarity with all those in Iran who are fighting for democracy, human rights, and trade union rights, even at the risk of their lives.
Salvatore Marra
International Policy Officer of the Italian General Confederation of Labour
