TUC protests about arrest of Iranian trade unionist

Dr Seyed Mohammad Hossein Adeli
Ambassador
Iranian Embassy
16 Prince's Gate
London SW7 1PT

Dear Mr Ambassador

Arrest of Mr Borhan Divangar

I understand that at 2am on 7 August, the Iranian security forces raided the home of Mr Borhan Divangar, a member of the Saqez Bakery Workers? Union. I believe that Mr Divangar was arrested and his computer and other belongings were seized, and that later that day he was charged among other things with membership of the committee to follow up the establishment of free labour organisations, membership of the newly formed unemployed workers? organisation, and with participating in the recent demonstrations in Saqez.

I would welcome any information you could let us have about Mr Divangar?s case, and your assurances that his family and his legal representatives will be able to visit him.

I would also urge your government to treat him in accordance with ILO core conventions regarding freedom of association which, as a member of the ILO, your government is bound to uphold. In that context I would welcome any explanation you could give of how membership of trade union organisations such as those mentioned in the charges against Mr Divangar could constitute a crime, and why in that case he should not be released forthwith?

Kay CarberryAssistant General Secretary