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TUC protest letter to Iranian Ambassador

Issue date

H.E. Rasoul Movahedian Attar

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran

16 Prince's Gate

London SW7 1PT

Dear Ambassador

Request to review sentences of Haft Tapeh trade unionists

On behalf of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) representing British workers and the 6.2 million members of our affiliated unions I am writing to protest against the court sentences handed down to trade union leaders: Ali Nejati, Feridoun Nikoufard, Mohammad Heydari Mehr, Gohrban Alipour, Nejat Dehli and Jalil Ahmadi.

The TUChas been informed that the six leaders of the Haft Tapeh union, an affiliate of the IUF Global Union Federation, have been given harsh prison sentences by the appeal court of the city of Dezful on 12 October 2009. Most have to immediately serve a 6 months prison sentence, and have been sentenced to an additional 6 months sentence suspended for 5 years.

The six leaders have all been charged and sentenced in connection with legitimate trade union activities such as reclaiming wage arrears and defending basic workplace rights.

There is a real concern that this new ruling is seeking to crush the union. We ask thatyou have these court sentences reviewed, as they are contrary to the principle of freedom of association which the Iranian government is under an obligation to respect through its membership in the International Labour Organization.

The TUCalso remains very concerned at the continued repression of teachers' activities, including the arrests of several members of the Iranian Teachers' Trade Association (ITTA) in Tehran during the celebration of teachers' day on 6 October 2009.

The TUC urges you to review and repeal these sentences and ensure that the courts are not used to condemn workers for legitimate trade union activities.

Yours sincerely

BRENDAN BARBER

General Secretary

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