News and Reports- Updates as of December 23, 2008- IASWI
· Five leaders of Hafteh Tapeh Workers’ Syndicate put on trial
· Farzad Kamangar still at risk of execution!
· Mohesn Hakimi Arrested!
· Tayeb Molayee released on bail
· A new campaign to raise the minimum wage in Iran above the poverty line
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Five leaders of Hafteh Tapeh Workers’ Syndicate put on trial
Five members of the board of directors of the Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Workers’ Syndicate were put on trial by the Islamic Revolution Court in city of Dezful on December 20, 2008. These labour leaders, whose names are listed below, have been charged with propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Also, Mr. Abolfazl Abedini, who is a reporter, had to appear in front of the same judge facing similar charges in relations to his reports on Haft Tapeh workers’ strikes. Their lawyer reported that the court will issue the verdict next week.
- Ali Nejati, president of the Board of Director of the Syndicate,
- Feridoun Nikoufard, the Vice-President of the Board of Director;
- Mohammad Heydari Mehr, representative on industry affairs;
- Ghorban Alipour, Secretary
- Jalil Ahmadi, member of the Syndicate’s Board of Directors
This is a renewed attempt by the government to further assault the newly formed Haft Tapeh Workers’ Syndicate. These workers are under mounting pressures by the authorities to stop any labour organizing. Demand the withdrawal of all charges against these labour activists and leaders. Send protest letters to:
Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad, President
Islamic Republic of Iran
Palestine Avenue, Azerbaijan Intersection
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Email: [email protected]
Ayatollah Sayed 'Ali Khamenei
Leader of the Islamic Republic
The Office of the Supreme Leader
Islamic Republic Street -
Shahid Keshvar Doust Street,
Tehran
Islamic Republic of Iran
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: +98-21 649 5880
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Farzad Kamangar still at risk of execution!
Despite protests in Iran and internationally, the death sentence against Farzad Kamangar has not been repealed and he continue to be at great risk. Human Rights Activists in Iran reports that Farzad’s family and lawyer are extremely worried that the judicial authorities have not made any clarifications in regards to appeals against his execution. Farzad Kamangar, an Iranian Kurdish teacher is still at risk of execution. For more information:
Labourstart Act NOW! http://www.labourstart.org/farzad
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Mohesn Hakimi Arrested!
According to various reports from Iran, including a statement issued by The Coordinating Committee to Form Workers’ Organization, Mr. Mohsen Hakimi, a member of the aforementioned committee and a member of the Iranian Writers’ Association, was arrested by the security forces at midnight on December 22, 2008. He has been transferred to an undisclosed location. Mohsen Hakimi had been arrested a number of times before as the result of his labour activities.
We condemn this repressive act of the Iranian government and demand Mohsen Hakimi’s immediate release.
International Relations, International Alliance in Support of Workers in Iran
December 23, 2008
Send protest letters to:
Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad, President
Islamic Republic of Iran
Palestine Avenue, Azerbaijan Intersection
Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
Email: [email protected]
Ayatollah Sayed 'Ali Khamenei
Leader of the Islamic Republic
The Office of the Supreme Leader
Islamic Republic Street -
Shahid Keshvar Doust Street,
Tehran
Islamic Republic of Iran
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: +98-21 649 5880
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Tayeb Molayee Released on bail
The Free Union of Workers in Iran reports that Mr. Tayeb Molayee, a member of the Executive Board of this organization, who was arrested on November 12, 2008 was released on 10 million toman bail (over US$10,000) on December 15, 2008. Mr. Molayee has been charged with cooperating with opposition groups and helping to organize the second general membership meeting of the Free Union of Workers in Iran.
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A new campaign launched to raise the minimum wage in Iran above the poverty line
A new campaign has been launched in Iran by labour organizations and activists to demand minimum wage increased to above the poverty line. A statement, which is endorsed by a number of organizations including the Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Company Workers and Vahed Workers’ Syndicate and workers in a number of factories, condemns the current monthly minimum wage of 219,600 toman (about US$224.00) while the poverty line is at least 600,000 toman. This campaign is calling on workers to pressure the government authorities for a minimum wage that can support a decent life for an average family of four, which is estimated to be at least one million toman (About US$1000.00).
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For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected]
International Alliance in Support of Workers in Iran (IASWI)