Iran: Another Union Leader Arrested And Detained

Iran: Another trade union leader arrested and detained

Brussels, 26 June 2008: The ITUC has joined the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) in expressing acute concern following the arrest yesterday of Gholamreza Gholamhosseini, another member of the ITFs Iranian bus affiliate.

Gholamhosseini, a member of the Vahed Syndicate Executive Board was arrested by police in Tehran while visiting Shirodi Stadium, where an event to marking Iran's Women's Day was taking place. The gathering was sponsored by the municipality of Tehran and by the bus company, Sherkat Vahed.

Security personnel prevented Gholamhosseini from entering the stadium; police then apprehended him and took him to Gisha Police Station.

Yesterday, June 25th, Judge Hassan Dehghan Dehnavi, who is also involved in the case of the union's General Secretary Mansour Osanloo, ordered Gholamhosseini's detention in Evin prison. Hassan Dehghan Dehnavi declared that Gholamhosseini, who is not charged with any crime, should be detained for an indefinite period whilst his case is investigated.

Gholamhosseini had been dismissed from the company for taking part in the strike action of January 2006. Although the court has ordered his reinstatement, the company is refusing to comply.

"Yet again the Iranian authorities are engaging in heavy-handed repression of legitimate trade union activity. We call upon them to release Gholamreza Gholamhosseini immediately, and to fulfill their obligations under international law to fully respect the rights of Iranian workers to genuine trade union representation", said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder.

For more information, see: www.itfglobal.org

The ITUC represents 168 million workers in 155 countries and territories and has 311 national affiliates.

ENDS

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