Workers' Syndicate of the Bus Company: Reza Shahabi's Condition is Critical

The Workers' Syndicate of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company announced in a statement that Reza Shahabi, a board member of this labor organization, is in "critical condition" due to "complications from a hunger strike." Simultaneously, the number of people who have signed a petition calling for Mr. Shahabi's release has surpassed 1,400. According to the statement from the Workers' Syndicate, Reza Shahabi's family reported after visiting him in Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj on Wednesday, September 8, that the labor activist is experiencing severe weakness and has lost sensation in his left hand. Reza Shahabi began a hunger strike 23 days ago in protest of his re-arrest. After returning to prison, following pressure from the prosecutor's office, he learned that his medical leave, which had been approved by forensic medicine, was not accepted by the prosecutor's office, and he must remain in prison for another 968 days. Meanwhile, the Workers' Syndicate stated that Mr. Shahabi had previously seen a letter confirming the end of his prison term dated 2015. In its statement, the Workers' Syndicate expressed deep concern over Reza Shahabi's deteriorating health, stating that it holds the "judicial and security authorities" responsible for the situation he is in and demands his immediate and unconditional release, as well as the annulment of prison sentences against Ibrahim Madadi and Davood Razavi, other board members of this syndicate, and other labor activists and teachers. In this context, the labor organization reported that the number of people who have signed the petition for Mr. Shahabi's release has exceeded 1,400. The petition states: "The crime of Reza Shahabi and other members of the Syndicate is the creation of an independent organization from the government and employers to achieve their demands, for which they have been expelled, arrested, and even beaten."