Prison's Dialogue
Im Exil lebende ehemalige politische Gefangene (Iran)		Email: Dialogt@web.de
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Iranian Labour Activist, Borhan Divargar, Freed! September 13, 2005: Mr. Borhan Divargar, a member of the Syndicate of Bakery Workers in Saqez, who had been incarcerated since August 7, 2005, was released on September 12th following an international campaign for his freedom. Mr Borhan Divargar was charged among other things with membership of the "Committee to Follow up the Establishment of Free Labour Organisations", membership of the newly formed unemployed workers' organisation, managing a labour web site in Iran called "Tashakol" (www.tashakol.com), and "action against national security", an allegation routinely used by the Iranian government against labour and social and political activists. The IASWI congratulates Borhan and his family and colleagues in Iran for their courageous stance during these hard times. We also thank the international labour movement, particularly the ICFTU and its affiliates in Europe and North America, for their relentless pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran for the release of Mr. Divargar. It is important to remind that Mr. Divargar (Divangar) was among the 7 labour activists arrested during the May Day 2004 in Saqez. Their court proceedings took more than one year and they are still awaiting the verdict. Workers in Iran are increasingly becoming assertive for the achievement of their demands including the right to organize freely. The Iranian government however systematically opposes workers' rights to organize free and independent organizations and routinely harass, dismiss and arrest labour activists. In most cases these workers face heavy bail conditions and lengthy and costly trials. The international solidarity has certainly played and will continue to play a very crucial role in protection of independent labour activists in Iran. For more information, please contact: International Alliance in Support of Workers in Iran info@workers-iran.org alliance@workers-iran.org