Three months after his release from prison for prior union activity, “the Iranian Lech Walesa,” Mansour Osanloo, was beaten and dragged off the street by Iranian officials.

This latest arrest has been condemned by international labor organizations, including the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), to which the Teamsters belong. These organizations are calling on union members around the world to protest against this major setback for human rights in Iran.

According to RadioFreeEurope, Osanloo, the President of the Syndicate of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company (Sherkat-e Vahed), was on his way to the Iranian Ministry of Labor to follow up on cases where union supporters had been fired from their jobs when he was attacked and arrested by agents of the Iraqui intelligence ministry.

Osanloo, who had an eye operation a few days before his arrest, was reportedly taken to Iran’s notorious Evin prison. Iranian officials have not allowed him to contact his family nor have authorities given Osanloo’s wife or lawyers any reason for the arrest.

Osanloo’s imprisonment is the latest example of the Iranian government’s brutal crackdown on labor unions and workers.

Teamsters and other labor organizations rallied to Osanloo’s defense when he was arrested one year ago. In December 2005, the Teamsters participated in a protest at the Iranian government’s Washington headquarters, to demand his freedom.

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa also wrote to Iranian President Mahmood Ahmadinejad, demanding the release of Osanloo and 13 other jailed bus union members, who were arrested after protests for better working conditions.

Osanloo was released after eight months in prison and a sustained international outcry.

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