Sugar workers union in Iran calls on ILO for help
Solidarity with Iranian trade unionists
Amnesty International urgent action
September 2009
The TUC is urging trade unionists in Britain to help fellow trade unionists in Iran, especially jailed Tehran bus workers' union leader Mansour Osanloo, by taking part in an Amnesty International Urgent Action to get medical attention for Mansour - take action now!
Background
Mansour Osanloo is the leader of the Vahed Bus Company workers union in Tehran, Iran, an independent trade union in a country with an official trade union movement and a track record of persecuting independent trade unionists (as well as workers generally, women, LGBT communities and so on). Mansour has been in jail now since July 2007, and his health is deteriorating in part because of the brutal beatings he has received from the security services.
Most recently, on 20 August 2009 Mansour Ossanoo's prison cell was raided by the prison guards - who were looking for drugs or other prohibited items - and his cell mates were severely beaten with batons. The guards confiscated the prisoners' personal belongings including Mansour Ossanloo's wallet and telephone card. This incident may have further worsened Mansour's heart condition, but his main need at the moment if medical attention for his eye condition. Previous Amnesty/union actions have secured him the treatment he needed, and we hope this latest action will be successful too.
Amnesty report that:
'Prisoner of conscience Mansour Ossanloo'ss health is deteriorating. A year ago he was transferred to Reja'i Shahr prison, west of Tehran, where he was placed among prisoners who have been convicted of crimes such as murder, rather than among political prisoners.
'He has been denied permission to leave the prison for treatment for pre-existing medical problems, and new ones gained through the denial of access to treatment. He was denied treatment by the case judge, despite a referral by the prison doctor following his fourth medical examination.
'Despite the recommendation by the Coroner, and Medical Examiner, at the end of last year that Mansour be treated outside the prison, the authorities continue to refuse to allow him to leave for treatment.'
For more information on trade unionism in Iran, and Mansour Osanloo's case in particular, see:
Stay Updated
Want to hear about our latest news and blogs?
Sign up now to get it straight to your inbox