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ITF reports Madadi’s release (7/5)

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has issued the following news release, which also is available on the ITF web site HERE Protest pays off as Madadi is freed 4 July 2007 Following international protests and this morning’s demonstration outside the Ministry of Justice in Tehran, Ebrahim Madadi has been freed. Madadi, the Vice President of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, was arrested yesterday, sparking immediate efforts to secure his release. ITF General Secretary David Cockroft called the release “More proof – if proof were needed – of what solidarity actions can achieve.” He added, “Perhaps the government of Iran is waking up to the fact that allowing the free expression of human rights is a way of strengthening a society, and not something to be feared.” Earlier today the global union federation sent the following message of support to the protest rally held this morning. It asked the union’s leader, Mansour Osanloo, to read it out on the ITF’s behalf. (The ITF has helped lead the fight to defend Osanloo and his fellow trade unionists from arrest and repression. See www.itfglobal.org/press-area/index.cfm/pressdetail/1337/region/1/section/0/order/1 Dear Brother Mansour Osanloo, Dear Brothers and sisters of the Vahed Syndicate, Fellow unionists, On behalf of the 5 million transport workers in 150 countries which the ITF represents, we send you our message of solidarity to your rally in front of the Ministry of Justice in Tehran today. We fully support your union’s demand to release Brother Ebrahim Madadi unconditionally and immediately from his detention. We join your protest against this unjust arrest and the allegation of ‘public disorder.’ We firmly believe that every worker has the right to exercise his or her genuine trade union activities without any fear and intimidation. Furthermore, the ITF and its members worldwide continue to support your demand for the recognition of your union by the government and the reinstatement of the 40 dismissed workers. We wish every success of your action today. United we stand! David Cockroft, ITF General Secretary Mac Urata, ITF Section Secretary ###