UCU condemns arrests of Iranian academics

The academics were held yesterday (Thursday) after meeting the pro-reformist candidate Mr Mousavi, who has accused President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of rigging this month's national elections.

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt will today join workers from across London to attend a protest outside the Iranian Embassy against the harsh treatment of trade unionists and teachers.

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: 'The actions of the Iranian government are completely deplorable and must be condemned by the international community. It is deeply disturbing that academics are being targeted by the state for meeting with opposition leaders. It is criminal that their rights to free speech and assembly are being violated in this way.

'It seems that anyone who voices dissent is under threat of violence and intimidation from the state police and militia. Independent unions are being brutally repressed, their leaders flung in jail and their protests broken up. The Iranian government must immediately release all imprisoned Iranian trade unionists, including teacher Farzad Kamangar, and unconditionally recognise all independent workers' organisations in Iran.'