French Labor Unions: Reza Shahabi, Davood Razavi, and Hassan Saidi Must Be Released

Five labor unions in France sent a letter to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, emphasizing that Reza Shahabi, Davood Razavi, and Hassan Saidi, three members of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Workers Union, need immediate medical treatment and should be released due to the deterioration of their health. According to the Telegram channel of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Workers Union, the letter, dated Monday, March 4, addressed to Ali Khamenei, stated that French labor unions have received very concerning news from Iran regarding these three workers. They noted that Reza Shahabi requires urgent and emergency surgery on his neck, and otherwise, he may suffer severe and irreversible complications. The five French labor unions pointed out that despite severe neck pain and high blood pressure, no action has been taken to admit Mr. Shahabi to the hospital for surgery. The letter also mentioned the condition of Davood Razavi, stating that he suffers from knee pain, arthritis, vision impairments, and gastrointestinal issues, and it has been reported that despite multiple bleeding episodes, he remains deprived of necessary medical treatment and care. The signatories of the letter wrote about Hassan Saidi, stating that he has lost most of his teeth in prison due to untreated gum and oral disease, which has also caused gastrointestinal problems. They emphasized that Mr. Saidi urgently needs dental treatment outside of prison. The signing unions called for the unconditional release of Mr. Shahabi, Razavi, and Saidi, as well as other workers, teachers, students, and all political prisoners. The letter was signed by Béatrice Lestic, National Secretary for International Affairs of the French Democratic Confederation of Labor, Boris Plazik, Secretary General of the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), Benoît Test, Secretary General of the United Federation of Unions, Muriel Gilbert, Secretary General of the Solidarity Trade Union (Solidaires), and Laurent Escour, Secretary General of the National Union of Independent Trade Unions in France. The Tehran Bus Workers Union criticized the security officials' opposition to granting medical leave to Reza Shahabi. Officials at Evin Prison prevented Davood Razavi from being transferred to the hospital 'on the pretext of not wearing prison clothes.' Reyhaneh Ansari-Nejad was transferred to Evin Prison to serve a four-year sentence. Labor protests were held in opposition to the seventh development plan; Reza Shahabi stated that they unveiled 'new slavery.' The European Trade Union Confederation criticized the Islamic Republic's treatment of workers.