The persecution of trade unionists and the systematic abuse of workers’ and trade union rights persist in Iran.
Two well-known workers’ rights defenders in Iran, Mahmoud Salehi and Osman Ismaili were arrested on 16 May 2021 after being summoned to the prosecutor’s office in Saqquez. The two are charged with endangering national security by disseminating information concerning the 1 May celebration. They were recently convicted of ‘spreading propaganda against the system’ under Article 500 of the Islamic Penal Code. Since they refused bail on principle, they are now in prison.
The ACTU has written to the Iranian President calling for their immediate release and to guarantee their wellbeing.
