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Iran: International action for trade unionists

Amnesty is deeply concerned about the plight of trade unionists in Iran, the persecution of independent trade unionists and non-compliance with international labour conventions. In particular Amnesty International worldwide is committed to long-term action on behalf of two trade unionists who have faced repeated incarceration and victimisation for the exercise of their legitimate trade union rights.

Mansour Ossanlu is leader of the Tehran Bus Workers' Union, and Mahmoud Salehi was leader of a bakers' union in Saqez. Amnesty consider trade unionist Ossanlu and Mahmoud Salehi to be prisoners of conscience, held solely for the legitimate exercise of their human rights, and we call for them to be released and for all charges to be dropped. 

Take Action

Trade Unionist needs urgeby medical help Mansour Ossanlu, leader of the Union of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company (Sherkat-e Vahed), was arrested on 10 July 2007 in connection with his trade union activities. Two years on and his health is seriously deteriorating. Please send an appeal to the Iranian authorities

Dr. Kamiar Alaei Two doctors working on HIV/AIDS prevention have been jailed. Brothers Arash Alaei and Kamiar Alaei, both doctors specialising in the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS, have been charged with "cooperating" with an "enemy government". Find out more

Parvin Ardalan, one of five women's rights activists arrested in connection with a peaceful demonstration on 12 June 2006 demanding equal rights for women in Iran. Image courtesy of www.kosoof.com Action for women. Trade Unions are called to pledge thier solidarity to Women in Iran as they face widespread discrimination under law and authorities continue to harass activists working to defend women's rights. Find out more

Good news

Mahmoud SalehiIran: Mahmoud Salehi released Jailed trade unionist Mahmoud Salehi was released from prison on the morning of Sunday 6 April 2008. He is back home with his family and receiving many visitors who wish to welcome him back. Amnesty, in partnership with the global union federations, will continue to work to ensure that he and fellow trade unionists in Iran are able to enjoy the fundamental rights which he and others have fought so hard to defend and promote. Find out more

Mansour Ossanlu © ITFIran: Jailed trade unionist receives urgent medical treatment Mansour Ossanlu, leader of the Union of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, was admitted to hospital for urgent eye surgery on 21 October 2007. Thank you to all those who supported this appeal. Please continue to sign the petition calling for his release

 Video: Freedom Will Come

On 16 October 2007, the International Transport Federation (ITF) labour organisation released a film entitled Freedom Will Come - the Story of Mansour Osanloo, intended for global distribution in order to galvanise the campaign to free Mansour Ossanlu and his colleague Ebrahim Madadi, and to protect the right of Iranian workers to join trade unions.

Mansour Ossanlu

Mansour Ossanlu © Private"All the protest letters from Amnesty and the trade unions made us know that we were not alone. When I was in prison and heard of all the support my spirits rose. In this struggle it is very valuable to get so much support from so many thousands of miles away. This campaigning has also disclosed the repression and made sure that the authorities know that they are being watched by the outside world."

Mansour Ossanlu, in the UK, shortly before his latest arrest

Add your message of support
Trade unionists around the world are showing solidarity with Mansour Ossanlu. Below are a selection of responses from the Middle East and North Africa. Please add your message of solidarity by visiting the action page on the website of the International Transport Workers' Federation

Download[Acrobat PDF]Solidarity messages for Mansour Ossanlu
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