Mansour Osanloo’s Prison Furlough Extended to One Month

Mansour Osanloo, President of the Syndicate of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company (Sherkat-e Vahed), who was released on a four-day prison furlough on Thursday, 2 June, has been given an extension for a month, according to his wife, and he is now at home with his family. Parvaneh Osanloo, wife of the labor activist and prisoner of conscience, told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, “[Prison] authorities told us verbally that Mr. Osanloo has one month of furlough. Now we’re also trying to get a written letter of this furlough so we’d be at ease.”

Mansour Osanloo Back in Prison Despite Serious Illness; No Phone Contact with Family

Mansour Osanloo, the imprisoned founding member of the Syndicate of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company (Sherkat-e Vahed), who had been hospitalized for the past few days for his heart condition was returned to prison again on Saturday, 21 May, despite dire medical needs. “Because prison conditions are dangerous for Mansour’s health, I tried very hard through the Prosecutor’s office to have him come back home from the hospital, and to remain under house arrest [instead]. I even offered to also look after the forces [watching Osanloo], just so that Mansour would return home, because according to his doctors’ diagnosis, he must be on a proper diet, eat fruits and vegetables, and stay in a stress-free environment, where none of these would happen in prison,” Parvaneh Osanloo, wife of the labor activist, told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.

Union Leader’s Dangerous Health Conditions: Immediate Surgery Needed

In an interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, Parvaneh Osanloo, bus worker union leader Mansour Osanloo’s wife, described her husband’s deteriorating health in prison and the refusal of prison officials to transfer him to a hospital. “His arteries are clogged again and his situation is worsening everyday. Prison doctors said that he must have an operation as soon as possible. We showed Mansour’s medical documents to doctors outside the prison and we talked to the authorities, too. If they cooperate, he must be transferred outside the prison for surgery or at least for angiography as soon as possible,” Parvaneh Osanloo told the Campaign.

Labor Leader’s Sister Asks for His Release to Treat Three Blocked Arteries

In an interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, labor activist Mansour Osanloo’s sister, Fereshteh Osanloo, reported her brother’s dangerous health condition in prison and said he needs immediate surgery. “There is very little left of his prison term. He should be freed in two or three months. But his heart condition is dangerous now. Last month, when the prison infirmary was unable to treat him, he was transferred to a hospital outside for an angiography. Doctors there determined that three of his arteries are blocked and that he needs immediate surgery. We requested that they help him to be sent outside the prison for treatment, but so far we have not heard anything,” said Osanloo’s sister.

Letter to the Head of the Judiciary to Release Osanloo

(1 June 2009) We are seriously concerned for Mr. Osanloo’s life. He is held in Rajaiee Shahr prison, in Karaj, along with violent criminals who have threatened his life. He could die as a result of such attacks and ensuing mayhem. He should not be held under such dangerous circumstances. Furthermore, having served more than half of his prison term, the Iranian laws allow for his release, which we urge you to immediately implement.

Mother and Wife of Ailing, Imprisoned Labor Leader Plead for His Release

(17 May 2009) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran urged Iran’s leading judicial authorities to review the conviction and sentencing of labor activist Mansour Osanloo and to release him. Government appointed medical examiners have twice ordered an end to his imprisonment due to his failing health, but judicial authorities have failed to release him.

The Campaign is seriously concerned that further imprisonment of Osanloo could cause his death. Iranian prison officials have a track record of denying urgent health care to prisoners of conscience, resulting in their death.

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.

Labor Activists in Peril as May Day Approaches

(30 April 2009) Iranian workers will observe May 1st, International Workers’ Day, as the government increases its suppression of independent labor movements, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said in a new report (available in Persian) today.

During the past year, workers previously attempting to celebrate May Day were prosecuted, and sentenced to prison and lashings. The prominent labor leader Mansour Ossanloo remains in prison, as well as other labor organizers including Ebrahim Maddadi, Farzad Kamangar, and Ghaleb Husseini. On 16 April 2009, more than 73 workers in the city of Sanandaj were arrested as they met privately to plan May Day celebrations.

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.