International Federation of Transport Workers Condemns Threats of Execution Against Imprisoned Truck Drivers
The International Federation of Transport Workers condemned threats made by an Islamic Republic judicial official against 17 detained striking truck drivers and transporters to execute them.
Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the International Federation of Transport Workers, stated in a statement issued by the federation on Friday, October 20, that execution as punishment for strike participants is the “most serious violence against workers’ rights” and an “inhumane” and “unimaginable” action.
Last week, Mohsen Karami, Acting Prosecutor of Qazvin, announced the detention of 17 strike participants and warned of the possibility of issuing heavy sentences, including execution, against the detainees.
However, the International Federation of Transport Workers stated in its statement that the federation and its affiliated groups around the world encourage the Iranian government to listen to the voice of protesters. Stephen Cotton said this issue requires an economic solution, not threats of execution.
Mr. Cotton called for the intervention of the International Labour Organization, a United Nations-affiliated agency, in this matter.
Besides the Acting Prosecutor of Qazvin, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, the Attorney General also charged some strikers with “corruption on earth,” “highway robbery,” and “disruption of order and security,” threatening them with execution orders.
Iranian truck drivers began strikes for the second time from the beginning of September in various cities, protesting occupational demands such as freight rate shortages, reduction of fuel rations, and rising vehicle parts prices like tires.
Reports indicate that three weeks after the strike began, security forces arrested more than 250 strikers on charges of disrupting road security.
Truck drivers first launched widespread strikes on June 1 of this year for two weeks regarding a reduction in commission rates, increased freight rates, and government assistance in paying insurance premiums.
These strikes were followed by support from international unions, including the International Federation of Transport Workers, for the strike by truck drivers and transporters. In recent days, other international support has also been extended to this strike.
The International Union of North American Truck Drivers also supported Iranian striking truck drivers in June of this year.
Source: Voice of America
