Latest Statement by the May Day Organizing Committee:
Workers and freedom loving people of Iran and the world!
As was explained in our previous statements, following our call for May Day assembly on May 1st, 2009 in Laleh Park of Tehran, security forces crushed the rally and arrested more than 150 people. Although many of those arrested have been released, there are about 40 people still in jail. Moreover, a number of workers who are members of the Consumer Cooperative of the Metal-Mechanics Workers were arrested on May First as well.
Following our call for a campaign for the freedom of detainees, hundreds of solidarity messages have been issued by labour and human rights organizations and freedom loving individuals from all over the world. While we greatly appreciate all of this support while we are asking all groups and individuals to:
1) Support the families of the imprisoned activists if possible by standing with them. These families are gathering outside the Islamic Revolution Court, on Shariati Avenue, beginning of Moalem Street, demanding the release of their loved ones.
2) We ask all workers and labour and human rights organizations to continue pressuring for the freedom of all detainees.
May 21, 2009 (Ordibehest 31, 1388)
The May Day Organizing Committee:
• The Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Vahed Bus Company
• The Syndicate of Workers of Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Company
• The Free Union of Workers in Iran
• The Founding Committee of the Syndicate of Building 's Painters and Decoration's Workers
• The Collaborative Council of Labour Organizations and Activists
- The Coordinating Committee to Help Form Workers’ Organizations
- The Committee to Pursue the Establishment of Free Workers’ Organizations
- A Group of Worker Activists
- The Women’s Council
• The Center for Workers’ Rights in Iran