Union Activists in Evin Prison: We are Safe

Mohammad Habibi and Reza Shahabi, two trade union activists imprisoned in Ward 4 of Evin Prison, reassured their families that they remain healthy and well in calls with their families today. The activists also said that other imprisoned union figures, including Rasoul Bodaghi and Jaafar Ebrahimi, were also still safe. The call came amidst widespread concern about political prisoners at Evin after the riot, explosions, fire and gunfire of last night.

Reza Shahabi, a member of the workers' union of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company (Vahed), also said in a short call from Evin prison: "He and the other prisoners of Ward 4 are fine."

Reza Shahabi's trial, which was supposed to be held today, October 16, has been postponed.

The Coordinating Council of Trade Union Organizations of Iranian Educators, following last night’s events at Evin, expressed deep concern in a statemand and warned: "Responsibility for the protection and health of prisoners is with the organization of prisons and the judiciary … any loss of life of prisoners is on the judiciary of the Islamic Republic and will certainly have severe consequences for its perpetrators.” The statement named imprisoned teachers in Evin as named, including Rasul Bodaghi, Jafar Ebrahimi, Mohammad Habibi, Eskandar Lotfi, and Masoud Nikkhah.

Esmail, a workers' union activist, reacted on Twitter to last night’s events: "The lives of prisoners, especially political prisoners in Evin, are in danger. This is a serious warning. When there is a riot in a prison, they turn off the cameras and use the most brutal methods. There is a possibility of prisoners getting killed." In another tweet, he said: "The most honorable people of Iran are imprisoned in Evin; those who have sacrificed their lives, property and families for our well-being and freedom and have spent the best years of their lives unjustly in prison."