1600 Signatures for Shahabi's Release; Tehran Prosecutor: He Has Been Convicted of Security Crimes

The Syndicate of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company announced that so far 1600 people have signed a petition demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Reza Shahabi, a board member of this organization. The syndicate pointed out that Mr. Shahabi is on the twenty-seventh day of his hunger strike and stated that his life is in danger. Last week, the syndicate reported that the left side of this labor activist's body has gone numb. This issue has not been confirmed or denied by the authorities of Rajai Shahr Prison. Meanwhile, the Committee for the Defense of Reza Shahabi announced in a statement that he was transferred to the prison clinic of Rajai Shahr in Karaj on Thursday, September 9, due to his deteriorating health condition and was given an IV. The Committee expressed concern for this labor activist's situation and held the security and judicial authorities responsible for his health. Mr. Shahabi, who introduced himself to Rajai Shahr Prison 27 days ago following pressure from the prosecutor's office, has been on a hunger strike in protest of having to remain in prison for 968 days, which continues to this day. According to the Syndicate of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, the prosecutor's office has stated that it does not accept the medical leave granted to him. Meanwhile, Robabeh Rezaei, Mr. Shahabi's wife, said in an interview with Radio Farda that the prosecutor's office had agreed to the forensic medical recommendation for medical leave, which allowed this labor activist to leave prison. In this context, according to the Mehr News Agency, Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, the Tehran prosecutor, said on Sunday, September 12, regarding Reza Shahabi's conviction: 'He has been convicted of security crimes against the country.' Typically, labor activists in Iran are accused, tried, and imprisoned for 'actions against national security and disturbing public opinion.' Such actions have drawn criticism from human rights organizations and labor unions. In this regard, Frances O'Grady, General Secretary of the British Trades Union Congress, in a letter, called on Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, to release Reza Shahabi immediately. She stated that 'Mr. Shahabi's imprisonment is clearly in violation of Iran's international commitments' and added: 'Imprisoning labor activists for their activities in defense of workers' interests is a violation of civil and labor rights.' Meanwhile, Iranian officials have consistently remained silent in the face of criticism from human rights organizations and labor unions worldwide regarding their treatment of labor and trade activists.