Protest over newly jailed Iranian trade unionist

H.E. Mr Rasoul Movahedian Attar
Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran
16 Prince's Gate
London
SW7 1PT

Dear Ambassador

Reported arrest of Mohsen Hakimi

We have been informed that Mr Mohsen Hakimi, a member of the 'Iranian Writers Association' and the 'Coordinating Committee to Form Workers Organisations,' was detained by security police on 22 December. The reasons for his arrest and his current location remain unknown.

On behalf of the Trades Union Congress I would urge the Iranian authorities to release Mr Hakimi and at the very least to immediately disclose the reasons for his detention and his whereabouts.

We are deeply concerned that this arrest forms part of a continuing process of coordinated attacks and harassment of trade unionists in the Islamic Republic of Iran. These attacks breach the obligations of the Iranian government to respect freedom of association and the right to negotiate collectively under the conventions of the International Labour Organisation.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this and other cases in person.

Yours sincerely

Frances O'Grady

Deputy General Secretary