Iran: Release jailed trade unionists

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Update: 16 June

Four trade unionists and a journalist remain in jail following mass arrests at two May Day rallies in Tehran.

Jafar Azimzadeh and Said Youzi have not been brought before a court. Kaveh Mozaffari, Gholamreza Khani and Mehdi Farahani Shandiz have had their bail set at amounts their families cannot afford but it is not known whether they have been charged.

They are prisoners of conscience and should be released immediately and without condition.

They join other imprisoned trade unionists Mansour Ossanlu and Ibrahim Medadi, of the Tehran Bus Workers' Union as well as teacher trade unionist Farzad Kamangar.

Background information

Eight members of the Metal workers and Mechanics Union who were also arrested on 1 May have been released in recent days. The arrested trade unionists were all part of a larger group arrested in the course of the commemorations marking International Workers’ Day on 1 May.

Under Iranian labour legislation, workers are allowed to form Islamic Labour Councils (ILCs) in companies with more than 50 workers. The ILCs’ objectives, under 2001 legislation, are mainly to “propagate and spread Islamic culture, and defend the achievements of the Islamic Revolution”; “set up Friday prayers; recite and pay tribute to religious slogans”; “establish meetings for sermons, religious discourse and lectures, on various occasions”; and “endeavour to enrich the times of rest for the workers and their families”.

Those permitted to stand for leadership positions in the ILCs are vetted and approved by an official selection body. Although the formation of independent trade union bodies remains prohibited in Iran and those who attempt to form such bodies risk detention and prosecution, a growing awareness of workers’ rights has resulted in the creation of a number of independent unions and workers’ support organizations. While some have been tolerated, members of others have faced arrest and other acts of repression.

• Find out more about Amnesty's Trade Union Network
• Read more about the human rights situation in Iran

 LETTER   EMAIL 

Update: 16 June

Four trade unionists and a journalist remain in jail following mass arrests at two May Day rallies in Tehran.

Jafar Azimzadeh and Said Youzi have not been brought before a court. Kaveh Mozaffari, Gholamreza Khani and Mehdi Farahani Shandiz have had their bail set at amounts their families cannot afford but it is not known whether they have been charged.

They are prisoners of conscience and should be released immediately and without condition.

They join other imprisoned trade unionists Mansour Ossanlu and Ibrahim Medadi, of the Tehran Bus Workers' Union as well as teacher trade unionist Farzad Kamangar.

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