Six firefighters have been detained by the security forces of the Iranian regime on the charge of "support action" for the striking Kian Tyre workers. When the Special Forces unit went into action at the tyre factory it ordered firefighters to use their hoses to douse the striking workers with boiling water. Six firefighters refused to do this to their class brothers and emptied the water on to the street and pavement. Because of this they have been held at the Ahmadabad Mastoofi detention centre for over 48 hours.
Since the Kian tyre workers were detained their families have been holding protests against the brutal action of the Special Forces unit . At first they gathered outside the Chahardangeh court and then outside the detention centre. They have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of their menfolk.
It is thought that all but 10 of the Kian Tyre workers have now been released. Management have paid three months' backpay and each worker has had to sign a 'no protest' agreement before being released! These agreements have been signed even though the Kian Tyre workers are still owed two months in unpaid wages, their new year bonuses and other bonuses.
The six valiant and brave firefighters, who clearly showed us all what class solidarity means in action, have still not been released. The work of releasing them is the next natural step in this struggle.
Iranian Workers' Solidarity Network
15 April 2008
