Saeed Torabian freed, but fellow Iranian bus workers remain in jail

Solidarity with Iranian trade unionists

Vahed bus workers of Tehran

25 July 2010

The international trade union campaign to free Tehran bus workers union leader Saeed Torabian has secured his release just 42 days after his arrest, but the struggle to free his colleagues continues.

Getting Saeed oiut of jail is a major victory for campaigners and the Iranian free trade union movement, but the regime continues to persecute trade unionists and this doesn't seem to represent any fundamental change in their approach.

Details

Saeed Torabian, Member of the Board of Directors and Public Relations Director of the Syndicate of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs (Vahed) Bus Drivers was released from prison on 20 July at 3pm, after 42 days in prison. He was arrested on 9 June at his home. He was falsely charged falsely with acting against national security and making public expressions against the regime.

In a statement, the syndicate congratulated 'Mr. Torabian and his friends, family and colleagues as well as all of the workers and organizations who made every effort to gain his freedom throughout this time.

'The Syndicate also demands the unconditional and immediate release of Ebrahim Madadi, Reza Shahabi, Mansour Osanloo, and all imprisoned workers, and demands that all workers of the Vahed Syndicate and the Haft Tapeh Sugarcane Workers Syndicate fired from their jobs be reinstated immediately.

'In addition, the Syndicate demands that the government cease its judicial and security pursuit of these workers.'

More information on the campaign for justice for Iranian workers.