Labor activist allowed furlough, ends prison hunger strike

HRANA News Agency – Iranian labor activist Reza Shahabi was given a five-day medical leave by Evin Prison authorities and has ended his hunger strike after 23 days.

According to a report by Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the executive member of the Tehran transit drivers union was released late on the night of Monday January 7.

He began a hunger strike 23 days ago to protest his mistreatment in prison and the lack of proper medical attention for his conditions.
Reza Shahabi is the Treasurer and Executive Board member of the Syndicate of workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, which belongs to the Municipality of Tehran and has more than seventeen thousand employees. All Executive board members of this union have been persecuted, dismissed and many were jailed since the formation of the Syndicate in 2005. He has recently been sentenced to 6 year imprisonment and five year ban on all union activities as well as 7 million Toman fine; the appeal court seems to have confirmed his sentence for four years imprisonment, five year ban on all union activities and 70 million Rls penalty. Reza Shahabi's health deteriorated significantly after severe beatings and mistreatment following his arrest. He is suffering from neck and spine complications that may lead to paralysis.