THE International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) demanded the release of imprisoned Iranian trade unionist Reza Shahabi today.

Mr Shahabi, who is treasurer of ITF-affiliated Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, otherwise known as the Vahed union, was unjustly arrested in 2010 and is now on a hunger strike.

ITF acting general secretary Steve Cotton sent a strongly-worded letter yesterday to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani insisting on his freedom.

“The ITF has written to your government on a number of occasions to demand Shahabi’s release and to ensure that he is provided with the medical treatment he needs,” he wrote. 

“The federation also on several occasions reminded you of your country’s international legal obligations to comply with international human rights and labour standards and in particular on the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining.”

At a meeting with international labour standards department of the ILO in April 2012, Iran’s Minister of Co-operatives, Labour and Social Welfare had reaffirmed the government’s inclination towards immediate freedom for Mr Shahabi.

He had instructed his deputy for international affairs to closely follow this case.

The minister had also denied charges of mistreatment, asserting that any perpetrators would be sued and punished if found guilty. 

Despite government statements and repeated commitments to proper treatment, “these promises continue regularly to be broken,” wrote Mr Cotton. 

Furthermore, his recent transfer from Evin prison in Tehran to Raja’i Shahr prison where political prisoners and violent criminals are held together had provoked Mr Shahabi into starting a hunger strike. 

“Given the developments with Shahabi’s health and the deterioration of the situation, the government has little choice but to act now,” said the trade union federation leader. 

“The ITF once again forcefully repeats its position that no worker be imprisoned for his/her trade union activities, much less be treated in a way which amounts to deliberate torture. 

“ITF affiliated members are urgently demanding that Shahabi is released immediately and unconditionally from prison. 

“Pending his release, the federation also demands that Shahabi’s physical integrity and safety are fully respected,” he added, making clear that ITF will continue to monitor the situation carefully.