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"I echo the demands of local and international activists for an end to human rights violations in Iran, including the repression of women’s rights.” — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President
Ottawa (26 Sept. 2022) — The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) expresses solidarity with protestors in Iran calling for justice for Mahsa Amini.
Death sparked nationwide protests, international condemnation
On September 16, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in police custody, 3 days after she was arrested and reportedly beaten by the country’s morality police. She was detained for allegedly wearing an “improper hijab,” in violation of Iran’s law on women’s dress.
The authorities say that she died of a heart attack, but Amini’s family and others have disputed that she died of natural causes, given her treatment by police. UN human rights experts have called for an investigation into her death.
Amini’s death has sparked women-led demonstrations in Iran and solidarity protests around the world over the past week. In Iran, protestors were immediately met with violent repression from security forces. Human rights groups have been working to confirm how many have been killed, but that work has been impeded by internet blackouts in the country. Hundreds have been injured or arrested.
NUPGE adds its voice to those calling for justice
“On behalf of NUPGE, I express solidarity with protestors and others calling for justice for Mahsa Amini,” said Bert Blundon, NUPGE President. “I echo the demands of local and international activists for an end to human rights violations in Iran, including the repression of women’s rights.”
“Whether a woman chooses to wear a hijab should be her choice and hers alone. NUPGE firmly supports women’s bodily autonomy and rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association—rights that have been systematically violated in Iran.”
The Iranian government has a shameful track record on violating human rights and workers’ rights. Authorities have violently targeted women’s rights activists, labour activists, human rights’ defenders, lawyers, and journalists, according to human rights groups.
“NUPGE condemns the ongoing rights violations by the Iranian regime, including the latest violent crackdown on protestors,” said Blundon. “The world is watching.”