April 22 2012 – this is a letter via the Reza Defence commitee to the Iranian judicial members to protest his arrest for Union organising in Iran
We the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) are deeply angered to learn of the anti-Working classes nature of the judicial system in Iran.
We refer to the draconian sentencing of Reza Shahabi, a bus Worker, Executive Board member and treasurer of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran Vahed Bus Company on trumped up charges of ‘propagandha activities against the system’ and ‘conspiracy with the intention of acting against national security’ in a blatant attempt at denying the right to freedom of association and expression in Iran.
It is not and will never be a crime to represent Workers or defend their rights against totalitarian regimes of neoliberal capitalists who contrive to undermine Workers liberties through fear and intimidation.
We denounce all unjust sentences, persecution and arrests of all labour activists and call for a more Workers lead co-operative society for all the people of Iran.
Andy Smith, International Solidarity Liaison Officer