Breaking News No.7

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Page context: Free Mansour Osanloo > Archive: 6 March 2008 - Action Day > Breaking News 7

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18:00 GMT, 7 March 2008

* Action Day in Iran
* Rally in Toronto
* Gatherings in Basra and Palestine
* Embassy visits in Lisbon, Oslo and Seoul
* Solidarity from oil, rail and inland waterway workers

View photos from the Action Day >>

Iran
On 6 March, some bus drivers wore the ITF's campaign badge during their duties and drove buses in Tehran. Members of the union's Executive Board visited the bus terminals in the capital and handed out the Farsi version of the DVD film, "Freedom will come - The Mansour Osanloo story" to the workers. 1,000 copies were distributed during the day. In the evening, they gathered at the house of Osanloo's mother. Each was able to speak to him on the phone. Osanloo was quite emotional by the fact that the day has been successful. In Sanandaj, a union gathering was also organised in the Guz circle. On the following day, 60 unionists and supporters went on hiking to the mountains in the Tehran suburb. It has become a tradition in the independent workers' movement to organise a social function like this to build activism at workplaces.

Canada
In Canada, around 200 union members, activists and political organisations picketed in front of the Ontario Provincial Parliament in Toronto to protest against the unjust detention of Mansour Osanloo, Mahmoud Salehi and workers' rights in Iran. Members of the Federal and provincial political party, leaders of unions and other organi s ations made a small speech to emphasize the importance of solidarity with workers in Iran. Fait Nolan and group of musicians had a vibrant performance in that event. Amnesty international and a representative from the IUF also participated. (Email report by Mehdi Kouhestaninejad)

Palestine
In Palestine, the union held a gathering on 6 March. Nasser Younis, the President of the union delivered a speech, and read a letter to be sent to the Iranian President in solidarity with Osanloo. He called for the Iranian authorities to immediately release Mansour Osanloo. "He is not a criminal, he is just a trade unionist who is fighting to improve his members working conditions", he said. He added 'its a shame to witness such violations against trade unions in this part of the world".

Iraq
Port workers, petrochemical and oil workers unions in Basra- south of Iraq will gather after the Friday prayer and together will submit a letter of solidarity with Osanloo to the Iranian consulate in Basra. They will distribute stickers and posters to their members.(Email report by Bilal Malkawi)

Korea
The Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), together with its eight member unions and federations affiliated to the ITF, organised a rally in Myungdong, the central commercial area of Seoul on the occasion of the Global Action Day on 6 March. The event was organised in collaboration with Amnesty Korea. More than 100 union leaders and members distributed thousands of leaflets to the public. After the rally, a delegation, composed of the Vice-President and staff of FKTU, Presidents of member unions and federations and representatives from Amnesty Korea, visited the Iranian Ambassy in Seoul to hand over a signed protest letter. A media briefing was held in front of the Embassy. (Email report by Choong Ho-Kang)

Norway
Representatives from the ITF affiliates in Norway, together with local Iranian exile groups, held a demonstration today at 14h00 in front of the Iranian Embassy in Oslo. Per Ostvold, President of the Norwegian Transport Workers' Union, said in his speech that the Norwegian Unions do not accept the imprisonment of Osanloo and Salehi, and demand that they be released immediately. The participants were wearing the "Free Osanloo!" badges and were carrying flags and union banners. A delegation later met with representatives from the Iranian Embassy and presented a protest letter addressed to the Iranian Government.

Portugal
On 6 March at 15h00, a delegation including representatives from UGT-P, the Portuguese Confederation, FESMAR, FESMARPOR and the ITF Inspector in Portugal visited the Iranian Embassy in Lisbon and presented a memorandum demanding the immediate release of Mansour Osanloo. (Email report by Joao de Deus)

Ukraine
During meetings with railway workers organised by the Trade Union of Railway Workers and Transport Constructors of Ukraine as part of its programme of activities for the ITF Railway Workers' Action Day, the union distributed information about Mansour Osanloo and the Iranian government's action towards the trade union movement in Iran. During the day, demonstrations in support of Mansour Osanloo were organised at different railway stations. The demonstrations received positive public interest and support. The union was also one of the signatories to the protest letter that was addressed to the Iranian Embassy in Kiev by all members of the ITF Coordinating Committee of Ukrainian affiliates. (Email report by Vladyslav Mazepa)

The International Confederation of Water Transport Workers' Unions sent a special appeal to the President of Iran demanding the immediate release of Mansour Osanloo and Mahmoud Salehi. (Email report by Georgy Stoliarenko)

France
CGT Transport sent letters to Members of Parliament and also distributed campaign leaflets on 6 March in Paris. (Phone report by Patrick Vancraeyenest)

FO Cheminots together with CGT Cheminots, CFDT and UNSA held meetings and press conferences at five border points around France as part of their activities for the ITF Railway Action Day. During the press conferences the unions highlighted the Free Osanloo campaign and also the importance of union freedom around the world, in particular in Iran. The border actions were held at Hendaye (Spain), Cerbère (Spain), Modane (Italy), Luxembourg (together with colleagues from Luxembourg and Germany) and Calais (together with colleagues from the UK). FO, CFDT, CGT Cheminots and CGT Transports sent a protest letter to the Iranian Ambassador in Paris. (Phone report by Remi Aufrere)

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