International Transport Workers' Federation Expresses Concern Over Reza Shahabi's Detention

The International Transport Workers' Federation expressed its deep concern regarding the imprisonment of Reza Shahabi, a board member of the Syndicate of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company. Following pressure from the prosecutor's office to return him to prison, Shahabi reported to Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj on August 9. Reports indicate that judicial authorities had repeatedly pressured this labor activist over the past year to return to prison. Steve Cotton, the General Secretary of this international union, emphasized that Shahabi should not be criminalized for his union activities and expressed dissatisfaction with the Iranian authorities' treatment of the Syndicate of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, of which he is a member. In a statement released on Wednesday, August 16, the International Transport Workers' Federation fully supported the recommendations of the Committee for the Freedom of Associations, affiliated with the International Labour Organization, for Shahabi's pardon and called for the cancellation of the prison sentence of Ebrahim Madadi, another board member of the Syndicate. Amnesty International also expressed concern about Shahabi's health status on its Telegram page on Friday. Meanwhile, the Syndicate of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company noted that Shahabi had begun a hunger strike nine days ago in Rajai Shahr Prison after being informed by the prison's executive unit that all his medical leaves would be considered absences, extending his prison sentence by 968 days. According to reports, a one-year additional prison sentence, issued during Shahabi's five-year imprisonment, is set to be enforced. The Syndicate pointed out that the prosecutor's claim of five months of absence from Shahabi's six-year prison sentence is unfounded, as he had seen a letter confirming the end of his six-year sentence dated September 9, 2015, upon his return to prison. The labor organization stated that Shahabi's demand, considering the completion of his sentence, is for unconditional freedom from prison. According to a statement from this organization, quoting Shahabi's family, he has been transferred to Hall 10 of Rajai Shahr Prison, where political prisoners are held. The Syndicate reported that this section lacks any basic living facilities, and prisoners have no opportunity for fresh air, even in the sweltering heat, as there are no air conditioning or refrigeration facilities available. The Syndicate of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company held the judiciary responsible for maintaining Shahabi's health and called for his immediate and unconditional release, as well as the cancellation of all judicial sentences against members of this Syndicate and other workers and labor activists. Iranian judicial authorities have not responded to protests regarding Shahabi's renewed imprisonment. In this context, Shahabi has been on a hunger strike for eight days. The prosecutor's office stated that Shahabi must remain in prison for another 17 months.