The International Solidarity Commission of the Industrial Workers of the World is outraged to learn of the continued violence by the Evin Prison authorities against Reza Shahabi, member and officer of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company (Sherkat-e Vahed).
Reza’s work on behalf of the bus drivers of Tehran, demanding pay increases to end the hunger, poverty, and misery of his fellow workers, remains as the sole reason for his continued confinement and abuse. Reza has battled the prison authorities for his very life ever since he was unjustly arrested and imprisoned under trumped up charges of “crimes against the State” in June of 2010. Due to torture and neglect in prison, Reza suffers from critical injuries to his spinal cord and needs serious and effective medical treatment. The supposed treatment for which he was briefly released in 2013 and February of 2014 was ineffective or non-existent.
The IWW demands the immediate release of and proper medical treatment for Reza Shahabi and all workers imprisoned unjustly by Iran’s oppressive government – a government that has outlawed the basic freedom of workers to join together to improve their lives. The struggle of the Tehran Bus Workers’ Syndicate is especially inspiring and important to the Industrial Workers of the World as the Sherkat-e Vahed represents the best of the workers’ revolutionary tradition.
Free Reza Shahabi! Defend Iranian Workers’ “Illegal” Unions!
