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Rally in Indonesia over trade union repression in Iran
3 January 2008
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| An Indonesian activist expresses solidarity with repressed trade unionists in Iran | |
Workers in Indonesia today voiced their protest in a rally against the repressive measures meted out to trade unionists in Iran and called for the release of all imprisoned activists. The action pre-empts an official visit to Iran of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono next week.
Initiated by the ITF-affiliated Indonesian seafarers’ union, Kesatuan Pelaut Indonesia, the rally saw more than 500 workers, gather in front of the presidential palace in Jakarta. The workers, including representatives from other ITF affiliated unions, were demonstrating against the continued imprisonment of Mansour Osanloo, President of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company and Mahmoud Salehi, President of the Saquez Bakers’ Union. Both men are suffering serious medical conditions.
Union representatives delivered their message when they met with the secretary to the President at the palace. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has promised to contact the Iranian embassy and the Iranian government about the issue prior to President Yudhoyono’s visit, which is scheduled for 11 January.
Two days ago, members of the bus workers’ union’s executive board met Osanloo at the hospital where he was receiving outpatient treatment on his eye. It has been reported that doctors have recommended that Osanloo be released from prison for at least three months so that he is able to receive proper medical attention. They are awaiting a response from the judiciary.
On 16 December, Ebrahim Madadi, Vice President of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company was released from prison. Reza Dehghan of the Painters’ and Decorators’ union has also been set free.
Mac Urata, ITF Inland Transport Section Secretary commented: “Our promotional film, ‘Freedom will come - The Mansour Osanloo Story’ has inspired many unionists to join the campaign. We had a successful roadshow last month across North Africa and Asia/Pacific, including Jakarta. It’s good to see our Indonesian unions following up that event with concrete action like this. The roadshow will continue in 2008."
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