Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
President
The Presidency
Palestine Avenue, Azerbaijan Intersection
Tehran
Islamic Republic of Iran(enter date) February/March 2007
Dear Mr President
I write to bring to your attention the recent trial of Mr Mansour Ossalou, the leader of the Steering Committee of the Trade Union of the Vahed Bus Company of Tehran and Suburbs, on Saturday, 24 February 2007.
His 'trial' at the 14th branch of the Revolutionary Court was held behind closed doors and he has been told that he or his lawyers cannot divulge details of the charges brought against him. If they do, then he will be 'in contempt' and this will be added to his charges!
The charges against him are said to be propaganda against the realm and activities against the country's internal security. During the next five days his lawyers will present the court with a written resolution defending him against these charges. Two days later the court will vote on its decision.
Mr Ossalou was held in Tehran's Evin prison from December 2005 until August 2006. He was often in solitary confinement and mistreated in various ways. He was released after a bail of £83,300 (equivalent to 125 years' wages!) was set.
Since Mr Ossalou's only 'crime' involves reviving the trade union that was closed down during the Iran-Iraq war, and posing basic demands like union recognition, signing a collective contract, and better pay and conditions, then he should be released immediately and without any conditions.
I look forward to hearing about your positive intervention in this regard in the international media.
Yours sincerely
(enter your name, trade union etc. position & country)
-----------------------------
Please send your protest letters to:Dr Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
President
The Presidency
Palestine Avenue, Azerbaijan Intersection
Tehran
Islamic Republic of Iran.
Fax: 98-21-648.06.65
Email: dr-ahmadinejad@president.irPlease send a copy of your protest letters to:
Iranian Workers’ Solidarity Network
Email: iranwsn@fastmail.fm
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
5 Boulevard du Roi Albert II, Bte 1
1210 Brussels
Belgium
Fax: +32 (0)2 201 5815
E-mail: internetpo@ituc-csi.org
International Labour Organization (ILO)
International Labour Office
4, route des Morillons
CH-1211 Geneva 22
Switzerland
Email: ilo@ilo.org