ARREST OF REZA SHAHABI

Early day motion 633, tabled 26 July 2010 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 34 members.

That this House deplores the arrest without charge by the Iranian authorities of Reza Shahabi, Treasurer of the Tehran Bus Workers Union, on 12 June 2010; is dismayed by this arrest which is the latest in a series of instances of the persecution of trade unionists in Iran; is deeply concerned that Reza Shahabi is being held in section 209 of the Evin prison which is notorious as a torture centre; is further concerned that he has been held in solitary confinement without any contact from family or friends for two months; notes that Amnesty International believes Reza Shahabi is very likely to be a prisoner of conscience and is being held solely on account of his trade union activities; believes the continued detention of Reza Shahabi places Iran in contravention of its agreement to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and calls on the Iranian government to release immediately Reza Shahabi and for the UK Government to do all within its power to assist in his release.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Liberal Democrat 6, Conservative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent 1.