Behind the Headlines/February 18

Today is the Day of the President in USA and a bank holiday. This day is named after George Washington and in a tribute to all those who have served their United States of America.

In Iran too, many people have served their country and in doing so some have lost their lives as well. Sadly many people who have served Iran have not had a happy ending to their lives.

Tonight we will speak to Ms Maryam Mohammadi, the sister of Parvin Mohammadi of the Trade Union of Free Workers in Iran by asking her why her sister has been imprisoned/

Maryam Mohammadi:

My sister is a well known labour activist in Iran and has been representing them for many years.

Even after her retirement she has been helping with protecting the rights of workers in the matters of their unpaid wages and how to fight against poverty and increasing their salaries.

She was arrested while picketing outside the parliament as she has never had any underground activities. She was arrested alongside with Mr. Alizadeh whose house was raided by security forces but they could not find anything on him.

Mt sister suffers from severe headaches and back pain and constantly requires special medications and medical care but she had been kept in solitary for 15 days which has been a terrible time for her.

We have told the authorities to respect their own laws and charge my sister on the allegations that they claim to be true and allow us to have a layer and defend her in a court of justice that is not under the influence of the security forces.

We regard their charges is baseless and remind them that they have created a very painful and disturbing time for my sister and family.