Following
an appeal from LabourStart and Education International on the 26 November many trade unionists throughout the world sent
protest emails to the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran protesting
against Farzad Kamangar’s imminent execution. Those writing to Ayatollah
Khamenei included Brendan Barber, the General Secretary of the Trades Union
Congress (in Britain).
ccording
to Education International, the international teachers’ federation, he was
taken from his cell in Tehran’s Evin prison on 26 November in preparation for
execution. The guards told him he was about to be executed and made fun of
him, calling him a martyr.
Fortunately
Farzad Kamangar has not been executed. His lawyer has spoken to him and he
is, considering the circumstances, quite well. The rumours and preparations
for his execution are despicable stunts that highlight the real danger that
this Kurdish teacher still faces. However, even though his arrest, the five
minutes’ trial and long imprisonment have been based on "absolutely zero
evidence" there is nothing to stop the death sentence being carried out
at a whim.
His arrest
on trumped up charges, subsequent trial and death sentence have not only mobilised exiled
labour activists but have also provoked protests in Iranian Kurdistan itself
– including a picket by around 300 teachers.
We urge
all trade unionists and labour activists to support the LabourStart campaign
by filling in the online protest form.
