On behalf of the 55,000 members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers I am writing you over concerns about recent repression of students. We know that dozens of politically active students were arrested prior to the December 7 student day. It is our understanding that forty or more students from around Iran are being held at the despicable and notorious Evin prison and other locations..
We have also received reports of torture and cruelty. The authorities appear to be covering their actions by claiming, without evidence, that these students were violent and acquiring weapons. The Ministry of Intelligence has admitted that it fears the circulation of ideas by suggesting that “heretical books and leaflets with a sacrilegious content” were found in the possession of students. It is chilling to observe any society that relies on intelligence agencies to define morality and heresy.
The old tactic of crying wolf, labelling communists as operating terror cells and inciting riots is an old discredited tactic that has been used elsewhere. We are familiar with the demonizing of those that have different views. It is also hard to separate the actions of the Islamic Sate with those of the United States in places like Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo. We hope that your government will not remain on this path.
We urge you to immediately and unconditionally release the prisoners as well as the labour activists you are holding and cease this transparent abuse of students and workers.
Sincerely,
Deborah Bourque
CUPW National President
Cc: NEC, NURs, Specialists
Bcc: David Aram, WCI (d_aram@sumpatico.ca )
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