October 15, 2010

According to the latest news from Iran, Reza Shahabi, Treasurer and board member of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, who has been incarcerated since June 12, 2010, was scheduled to be released on bail on October 11, 2010; however, the authorities refused to release him despite the order for his conditional release by a judge.

On October 11, 2010, tens of family members and friends of Reza Shahabi gathered outside the Evin Prison to welcome Shahabi after his family had deposited 60 million Toman (about 57,000 US Dollar) as surety. After staying outside prison until after midnight, in spite of cold weather and rain, prison authorities refused to free Shahabi.

As of today, Friday, October 15, 2010, Reza Shahabi continues to be detained in Evin Prison. According to reports by Mr. Shahabi’s family, the bail amount for Shahabi has been increased to 100,000,000 toman. There are reports that Reza has been under pressures and interrogation to “collaborate” with prison authorities; this is despite the fact that he has already spent more than four months in prison without any justifiable reasons.

There is no justification whatsoever to keep Shahabi in prison. Reza Shahabi is a well-known and highly respected worker and labour leader in Iran and his imprisonment is a gross violation of human rights and international labour standards.

Free Reza Shahabi Now!
Free Mansour Osanloo and Ebrahim Madadi!
Free all jailed labour activists now!

Send protest messages to:
, , ; ; , , , ; ; ;
cc: