Escalating repression against Iranian labour rights activists

On June 15 60 trade union and worker rights activists were arrested by heavily armed police at a peaceful meeting of the Coordinating Committee to Help Form Workers' Organizations in the city of Karaj. Most were released within 24 hours, but nine remain in the custody of the intelligence services.

Among those arrested and later released were Mahmoud Salehi, founder of an independent bakers union in Iran's Kurdistan province who has served several prison terms.

There is good reason to fear for the physical and psychological integrity of those still in detention.

These new arrests follow the recent sentencing to 6 years imprisonment of Tehran transport workers' union activist Reza Shahabi and Teachers' Association activist Rasoul Bodaghi (more here).

These rights defenders need international solidarity and support.

CLICK HERE to send a message to the Iranian authorities through our sister website Justice for Iranian Workers calling for their immediate and unconditional release.