Union Leader Osanloo was being held in Evin prison

INTERNATIONAL TRADE UNION CONFEDERATION (ITUC)

ITUC OnLine...

Iran: Union Leader Osanloo was being held in Evin prison

Brussels, 13 July 2007 (ITUC OnLine): The ITUC and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) have protested to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over the brutal beating and abduction of bus workers' trade union leader Mansour Osanloo in the evening of 10 July. Osanloo, who addressed the ITUC General Council meeting on 21 June, was abducted and severely beaten up by unidentified assailants in a Vahed Company bus at around 7pm on 10 July. Only on 12 July was his family informed that Mr. Osanloo was being held in Evin prison.

Given the history of harassment against Mr. Osanloo, the ITUC believe that his trade union activities are the reason behind his arrest, which is unacceptable in terms of international law.

By virtue of its membership of the International Labour Organisation, the Islamic Republic of Iran is bound to respect its core principles including the principle of freedom of association. The Ministry of Labour has repeatedly reassured the International Trade Union Confederation that it is committed to workers' rights and dialogue with the international trade union movement. In a letter to President Ahmadinejad the ITUC urges the Government to secure the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Osanloo.

Founded on 1 November 2006, the ITUC represents 168 million workers in 153 countries and territories and has 305 national affiliates.

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