ACCRS
Solidarity campaign with trade unionists in Iran
Together with the International Transport Workers' Federation, EI launched in August a LabourStart global solidarity campaign to seek the immediate and unconditional release of jailed Iranian trade unionists Reza Shahabi and Esmail Abdi. Both have been detained because of their defence of workers’ concerns, and their trade union rights and civil liberties are being denied. More than 6,600 people have already petitioned the authorities on this cause.
Esmail Abdi, a leader of the Tehran Teacher Trade Association, serving a six-year jail term on bogus charges, was briefly released on bail on 25 June, only to be rearrested on 27 July. Reza Shahabi, treasurer of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, has had his detention extended by 968 days, to cover medical leave from jail. He joined a hunger strike on 9 August to protest against his detention conditions. His deteriorating health has prompted Amnesty International to issue a new call for urgent action in his favour.