The regime in Iran continues its persecution of worker activists – from more arrests to harassment of those already in jail and their families. These activists are in prison purely for their union activities. Our campaign is working for the immediate and unconditional release of these activists, and calls on all trade unions and human rights organisations around the world to exert pressure on the Islamic Republic regime to help secure their release and for an end to persecution of worker activists in Iran. Currently, many worker activists and numerous political prisoners are in jail in Iran. Some of the jailed workers include:
Behnam Ebrahimzadeh, a labour and children’s rights activist, and a member of the Committee to Pursue the Establishment of Workers’ Organisations in Iran. He has arrested on June 2011. He has sentenced to 5 years jail. He still in jail now while his 15-year old son is under treatment for leukaemia.
Reza Shahabi, a member of the executive board of the Union of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs United Bus Company, has been jailed for his part in the great bus workers’ strike in 2006 and in building the bus workers’ union. He has arrested in June 2011 and sentenced to 6 years jail. Shahabi suffers from multiple medical conditions, including a severe back problem.
Shahrokh Zamani, a member of Tehran’s Painters Union and the Committee to Pursue the Establishment of Workers’ Organisations in Iran, was arrested in June 2011 and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Zamani has been subjected to severe tortures. He is now being held in the notorious Rajaei Shahr prison.
Mohammad Jarahi, a member of the Committee to Pursue the Establishment of Workers’ Organisations in Iran, was arrested in January 2012 and sentenced to 5 years in prison for union activity. Following a recent operation on his thyroid gland, the doctors have advised recuperation outside prison conditions. However, Jarahi has been refused medical leave.
Mohammad Mohammadi, a member of the executive board of the Free Union of Iranian Workers, has been in jail since February 2012.
Vahed Syedeh, Yosef Abkharabat, Mohammad Molanaie, members of the Committee to Pursue the establishment of Workers, Organisations in Iran. They have arrested in 15 of February 2014. They sentenced to 2years, 2year and 1year in prison.
Afshin Nadimi: a member of the Committee to Pursue the establishment of Workers, Organisations in Iran. He was arrested on 25th June 2014 in Sanandaj city. He has been sentenced to 1 year in prison for union activity.
Rasoul Bodaghi, a member of the governing board of Teachers’ Trade Association, is serving a six-year sentence for union activity.
Abdolreza Ghanbari, a teacher activist, is in prison for taking part in the massive anti-government demonstration in December 2009. He is serving a 10 years sentence.
Join us to demand the immediate and unconditional release of all jailed workers and political prisoners in Iran.
Free Them Now! Campaign to Free Jailed Workers in Iran