On May Day nearly all independent labour organisations in Iran put their differences aside and joined forces to organise a single rally in a Tehran park. After a brutal attack around 150 workers, activists, and even other people who happened to be in the park, were arrested. Around 88-98 people are still in the notorious Evin prison.

On May Day nearly all independent labour organisations in Iran put their differences aside and joined forces to organise a single rally in a Tehran park.

The Iranian regime saw the unity of the independent workers’ organisations, represented by the over 2000 workers and activists present, as its biggest threat. It therefore took steps to prevent the May Day rally from taking place.

Many thousands of police and other security officers were stationed all around Laleh Park from the morning to prevent the workers gathering in the evening. After a brutal attack that involved severe and indiscriminate beatings, around 150 workers, activists, and even other people who happened to be in the park, were arrested.

Around 88-98 people are still in the notorious Evin prison. Although the 18 women arrested have been allowed to talk to their families on the phone, the 70-80 men have not been allowed any contact with their families or anyone else.

Iranian Workers’ Solidarity Network calls on trade unions and labour activists throughout the world to condemn the brutal and unjustified attack on the workers. Help us to publicise the arrests and to put pressure on the Iranian regime for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained.

Iranian Workers’ Solidarity Network
13 May 2009