On Thursday, August 14, 2025, security forces in Ma’shour (Mahshahr) arrested two Arab workers, Ahmad Asakereh and Ahmad Rashidi, employees of the contracting company Petrosaman Avaran Razi. The arrests were carried out based on their union-related activities and for posting critical content on social media.
According to information obtained from human rights activists, the two men had previously been detained on August 11, 2025 by the security unit of the Razi Petrochemical Complex and subsequently released under a non-prosecution ruling. However, new charges have now been filed: publishing protest-related content online in the case of Ahmad Asakereh, and a verbal dispute with the company’s CEO in the case of Ahmad Rashidi.
Approximately 1,500 contract workers at Razi Petrochemical launched a four-day strike beginning on August 8, 2025, in protest against wage discrimination, low salaries, and the denial of benefits. Despite a prior agreement reached three years ago to provide “special economic zone” allowances with a three-month delay, this commitment remains unimplemented.
During the strike, the company’s security unit, in coordination with the Mahshahr Prosecutor’s Office, summoned 75 workers. Through intimidation and threats, authorities coerced them into signing pledges to return to work. Security forces also prevented night-shift workers from entering the facility. Notably, Razi Petrochemical—whose majority shares are owned by a Turkish company—had publicly stated in its official communiqué that it supports “dialogue and compliance with labor laws.”
The arrest of Ahmad Asakereh and Ahmad Rashidi underscores the severe restrictions on freedom of association, labor rights, and freedom of expression in Iran. This case represents yet another instance of state repression targeting labor activists and social media users.
