More News – Australia
Australia – University of Notre Dame
We had a small ceremony on 26 June to mark the day of action led by our university chaplain. In solidarity (Email report by Richard)
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Korea
The Korea Automobile Workers’ Union used their seminar on 26 June to discuss the Iranian issues. The seminar adopted a resolution in solidarity with the Iranian workers. (Email report by H K Kim)
Japan
A representative of the Japanese national centre, Rengo, delivered the unions’ message to the Iranian Embassy in Tokyo today (2 July) after the mission made no response to their request for a meeting on 26 June. In the past, senior officials have met with union representatives to discuss matters related to trade union rights in Iran. (Phone report by Shigi Wada)
Jordan
Representatives from the Jordanian Aviation Workers’ Union visited the Iranian Embassy in Amman on 28 June, however the delegation was refused a meeting and instead the police were called. The union had requested a meeting in advance but no confirmation had been received from the Embassy. (Bilal Malkawi)
Bulgaria
In Sofia, the representative of FTTUB waited three hours at the Iranian Embassy to obtain acknowledgement of receipt of the letter that the union delivered to the Embassy. In the end, no confirmation was made by the Embassy. (Report by Slava Petrova)
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USA
Education International’s US affiliate, National Education Association (NEA) has sent the attached letter to State Secretary Hillary Clinton.
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France
Around 200 representatives from CGT, CFDT and Amnesty International took part in a rally in front of the Iranian Embassy in Paris on 26 June. Speeches were given to explain the background to the global campaign and the situation in Iran. A protest letter was submitted to the Embassy. (Email and phone report by Patrick Vancraeyenest)
Austria
Vida and Amnesty International organised a joint action at the Donauinselfest (Danube Island Festival) open-air event from 26 to 28 June. At the union’s Youth Department information desk, signatures were collected on a petition for Iranian trade unionists. The joint information desk will also be set-up at the ÖGB Congress which is due to start later today. Participants to the Congress will be encouraged to sign the petition, which the union and Amnesty will submit to the Iranian Embassy. (Email and phone report by Eva Müller)
Poland
A group of unionists picketed the Iranian embassy and displayed names of repressed trade unionists. The union also sent protest faxes to the Iranian authorities. (Email report by Laure)
Mexico
Port workers of the Union de Estibadores y Jornaleros del Puerto de Veracruz sent a letter in solidarity with the workers in Iran. (Email report by Ramon Alomia)
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Burma
Seafarers Union of Burma (SUB) joined the Action Day by sending their protest letter to the Iranian leader. (Email report by Aung Thu Ya)
Bulgaria
The FTTUB has written to the Iranian governement as well as to the Iranian embassy in Sofia expressing their disappointment towards the authorities’ treatment of independent trade union organizations in Iran. The letter appeals for a democratic development in Iran including respect for freedom of association. FTTUB is using their website to describe the situation in Iran to their members. (Email report by Slava Petrova)
Australia – Melbourne
The Victorian branch of the RTBU handed out a number of pamphlets to the public on the Acion Day at one of the busiest railway stations, Parliament, during the peek hours of 6.45am to 9.00am. The response was very good. (Email report by John Higgins)
Belgium – Brussels, Gent
Members of BTB-ABVV have organised their “silent protest” in Brussels and Gent on the Action Day. (Email report by Dinneke Fleerackers)
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Morocco
UMT organised a meeting in Casablanca for local union representatives and activists on 26 June to highlight the message “Justice for Iranian Workers”. Awareness about the Action Day had initially been raised at a meeting of the Federation members on 20 June. (Email report by Said Saddik)
Canada – Toronto
From 6pm on 26 June in Toronto, the Students Labour Solidarity Group held a rally which the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) supported. Over 1,000 unionists, human right activists and the Iranian community people gathered at the Mal Lastman Square. Members of the Federal and provincial political parties, union and other organisations spoke to emphasize the importance of solidarity with the Iranian people and workers. Several groups of musicians made some vibrant performance during the event. (Email report by Mehdi Kouhestaninejad)
Czech Republic
On 25 June, the Czech Republic Section of Amnesty International held a demonstration in the front of the Iranian embassy in Prague to support the campaign. Several different groups such as “Students for Iran” and NGOs in Czech republic initiated this rally. More than 100 people took part. (Email report by Lenka Pitronova)
Sweden: Protesters stormed Iranian Embassy
A protest rally of around 150 people outside the Iranian Embassy in Stockholm turned into turmoil when they stormed the place by starting to tear down the fence and breaking the windows. Sixteen police units were called to the spot and were able to get the protesters out of the embassy area. One member of the embasy staff is said to be injured.
Sweden’s Ambassador summoned by Iran
Iran summoned Sweden’s ambassador after yesterday’s turbulent protests outside the Iranian Embassy in Stockholm, the Iranian news agency Irna reports. The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that ambassador Magnus Wernstedt has been summoned by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Teheran for a verbal protest.
