Release All Activists Detained on May Day

(8 May 2009) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran called for the release of all labor activists and six members of the One Million Signatures Campaign still in detention after their violent arrest on 1 May as they gathered to peacefully celebrate the International Workers’ Day, and called on the International Labor Organization (ILO) to condemn the arrests.

“The brutal and illegal treatment of workers in Iran seeking respect for their rights deserves to be protested by the ILO and members of the international community,” stated Aaron Rhodes, a spokesperson for the Campaign.

Security Forces Violently Attack and Detain Labor Rights Activists Observing May Day

(1 May 2009) Security and police forces violently attacked Iranian workers as they gathered in Laleh Park in Tehran to observe International Workers’ Day on May 1st, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran reported. According to information received by the Campaign more than 100 persons were arrested, and citizens not participating in the attempted May Day observance were among those beaten.

“These brutal and deplorable attacks are emblematic of the Iranian government’s utter contempt for workers,” stated Hadi Ghaemi, spokesperson for the Campaign.

Arbitrary Detention of Trade Unionists Continues

(9 April 2009) The month-long detention and solitary confinement of Ali Nejati, President of the Haft Tapeh Sugar Cane Union, is without legal justification, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said today. Nejati’s whereabouts were finally revealed after his wife visited him at the Intelligence Detention Center in Ahwaz on 6 April 2009. She was allowed to see him for only a few minutes.

Ali Nejati was arrested by Intelligence officials at his home on 8 March 2009. His lawyer, Mohammad Olyaeifard, informed the Campaign that he only learned of his client’s case and whereabouts on 6 April.

Farzad Kamangar

Farzad Kamangar (32), a Kurdish teacher and social worker in the city of Kamyaran, is sentenced to death based on “absolutely zero evidence,” according to his lawyer.

UPDATE: Kamangar Not Executed; 10 Others Hanged

(26 November 2008) Farzad Kamangar, an Iranian Kurdish teacher sentenced to death, was not executed today as it was feared. He was taken from his cell yesterday and reports from Evin prison indicated his sentence might be implemented today. However, nine men and one woman were hanged in the early hours of 26 November inside Evin prison.

ALERT: Teacher to be Executed

(25 November 2008) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran has been informed that Farzad Kamangar, an Iranian Kurdish teacher and social worker unfairly sentenced to death, will be hanged early on 26 November 2008. According to several reliable sources, he has been taken from his cell in ward 209 of Tehran’s Evin prison in preparation for execution.

The Campaign is appealing to Iranian judicial authorities to halt the execution, and asking members of the international community urgently to intervene. Kamangar (32), from the city of Kamyaran, was sentenced to death based on “absolutely zero evidence,” according to his lawyer.

Open Letter to Ayatollah Shahroudi Regarding Execution Sentence of Farzad Kamangar

An open letter appealing to the Head of the Judiciary, Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, on behalf of Farzad Kamangar.

Kurdish Teacher Facing Execution Following Unfair Trial

(31 July 2008) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran has sent an open letter to the Head of Iran’s Judiciary, Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, enumerating grave legal flaws in the trial of convicted Kurdish teacher Farzad Kamangar, and appealing for a commutation of his death sentence and an investigation “to ensure justice and protect the integrity of the Judiciary itself.”

Kurdish Teacher Facing Execution Based on “Zero Evidence”

(March 20, 2008) The prosecution and sentencing to death of a Kurdish teacher in Iran are based on “absolutely zero evidence,” according to his lawyer.