Reza Shahabi ends hunger strike after labour movement appeals

Following appeals from a wide variety of workers, labour activists, trade unions and various organisations that had sent messages of support, at 5pm on the evening of December 22 Reza Shahabi, a leading member of the Trade Union of the Tehran and Suburbs Vahed Bus Company, ended his hunger strike of 30 days.

After ending his hunger strike Reza Shahabi said: "Although I wished to continue my strike to death, but due to all of your requests, I have decided to end my hunger strike."

Although his hunger strike is over Reza Shahabi is still a prisoner inside the Iranian regime's Evin jail. He has been locked up for over 18 months over the trumped up charge of "contact with foreigners". During his detention he has been held in solitary confinement and denied medical treatment.

As a result of all the physical maltreatment and psychological pressure, now exacerbated by his hunger strike, Reza Shahabi has become very weak.

Iranian Workers' Solidarity Network calls on all trade unionists, labour activists and others concerned about the plight of Iran labour activists to continue with their activities and pressure until Reza Shahabi and all other class war prisoners are released unconditionally.

Iranian Workers' Solidarity Network
24 December 2010

Source: Reza Shahabi Defence Committee

For further news on Reza Shahabi and the Vahed Bus Company drivers' struggles, and how you can help, see the special section.