The timely and invaluable call by the  International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) to organise an international day of action in support of the jailed workers in Iran and in particular Mansour Ossanlou, the President of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, has injected a new lease of life into the international workers’ movement. We warmly welcome this decision and wholeheartedly support it.

The Iranian authorities have intensified their suppression of the workers in the recent weeks. They have shamelessly begun flogging workers accused of participating in last year’s May Day rallies in an attempt to stop them from engaging in the forthcoming May Day celebrations. This barbaric action can only be countered with a resolute and powerful international protest against the Iranian authorities.

This initiative by ITF is a positive response to the recent escalation in the crimes perpetuated by the Islamic Republic, namely the public flogging of labour activists in Sanandaj, the continued imprisonment of Mansour Ossanlou and Mahmoud Salehi; suppression of the radical and leftists students and intensification of women’s suppression. This international day of solidarity with Ossanlou and workers in Iran is an effective way of sending a strong message to the Iranian regime that it now faces the wrath of working class around the world.

Down with Islamic Republic of Iran!

For a Socialist Republic of Iran!

Long Live International Solidarity!

Worker-communist Party of Iran-Hekmatist (Abroad committee)

5 March 2008