By NCRI Staff

NCRI – On Tuesday, September 5, 2017, people held rally in front of the Parliament of Iran to protest against the condition of a labor activist and a member of the boards of The Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company (SWTSBC) who have been imprisoned.

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Reza Shahabi started his hunger strike 28 days ago to protest against his detainment. The hunger strike began when the labor activist realized that the Judiciary has not approved his medical leave and he has to remain in jail for other 968 days.

The Rally began in front of the parliament on Tuesday following a call by of Reza Shahabi’s wife, Robabeh Rezaei. A group of people, students, labor activists, and drivers of Tehran Bus Company gathered in Baharestan Sq. demanding the release of Reza Shahabi. But the rally was prevented from the beginning by the security guards and plain clothes agents.

The SWTSBC published the news on its website. According to this organization, the armed forces attacked those rallied from the beginning and the protesters marched towards the parliament due to pressures from the security forces and the police. The protesters were chanting slogans such as “Student, Worker, Alliance, Union”, “The imprisoned worker shall be released.”,” Worker, Student, Teacher, Alliance, Alliance”, “We protest unless Shahabi be released.” Some people on the street joined the rally as well. The protesters held the photographs of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in their hands.

Reza Shahabi who had been released on bail for medical treatment was summoned to the prison and according to the SWTSBC, he was imprisoned again since the prosecutor insisted on the seizure of the collateral’s property.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation and the International Federation of Workers’ Education Associations have expressed concern over situation of Reza Shahabi who is a member of the board of the SWTSBC and Ismail Abdi who is a board member of Teachers’ Association.