Reza Shahabi on dry hunger strike

 

Help Free Reza: An open Letter by the Family of Reza Shahabi

 

To: Workers, workers' organizations, human rights organizations and media

 

As you may be aware, Reza Shahabi, an imprisoned worker (the Treasurer and member of the board of directors of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company) who is incarcerated in section 209 of Evin Prison, have gone on dry hunger strike since December 4, 2010; and, as a result of his previous poor health conditions and the illnesses which have been developed since his incarceration six months ago, his life is now seriously endangered.  Although his release letter was issued on October 11, 2010 and a bail of 60 million Toman (about US$57,000) had been posted for him by his family, he has not been freed yet. On the other hand, another bail application with the amount of 100 million toman was given simultaneously to Reza to sign. Moreover, the two judicial authorities that we have been referred to are refusing to provide any information about Reza Shahabi's case and even deny that they are in charge of his file.  

 

Reza Shahabi has been in prison for six months only for defending workers' rights. It has been two months since his conditional release has been issued, and now he is on dry hunger strike and we are worried about his already deteriorating health conditions. There is now an imminent danger to his health and we have no idea what other threats to his precarious health might await him.

 

We hereby call on all workers, labour organizations, human rights organizations, media and all concerned individuals to take all necessary steps for the unconditional freedom of Reza Shahabi, his imprisoned colleagues and other jailed workers.

 

The spouse, brothers and other family members of Reza Shahabi

Thursday, Azar 18, 1389

December 9, 2010 

 

(Translated by IASWI)

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Urgent Action: Send Your Protest letters now

 

Free Reza Shahabi Now

 

Reza Shahabi, an imprisoned worker (the Treasurer and member of the board of directors of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company) who is incarcerated in section 209 of Evin Prison since June 12, 2010, have gone on dry hunger strike since December 4, 2010 to protest against his unjust incarceration and the refusal of authorities to release him despite the fact that his family had deposited 60 million Toman (about 57,000 US Dollar) as surety. He is refusing consumption of both food and liquids. Mr. Shahabi's heath is in imminent danger.

 

I call on your government to release Reza Shahabi and other jailed workers immediately and unconditionally and to respect workers' rights in Iran.

 

Name:

Organization:

Position:

Send Copy of your Protest Letters to:

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CC: [email protected]

 

International Alliance in Support of Workers in Iran (IASWI)

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www.workers-iran.org