Traitors Pass 42 Day Detention Bill in Commons

Traitors one and all, but here are the worst of the bunch with their email addresses. These are the twenty rebels who voted against the 90 day proposals, but for the 42 day detention. I guess something must have spooked them, maybe the great clunking fist. Why not write to them and express your anger and hey, if you get a reply send it me and I'll post the response.

John Austin: austinj@parliament.uk (also happens to sit on Human Rights Joint Committee)
Martin Caton: catonm@parliament.uk
Michael Clapham: claphamm@parliament.uk
Ann Cryer: saundersma@parliament.uk
David Hamilton: info@midlothianlabour.com
Doug Henderson: hendersond@parliament.uk
Sian James: sianjamesmp@parliament.uk
Sadiq Khan: Homepage
Mark Lazarowicz: Homepage
Tony Lloyd: contact@tonylloydmp.co.uk
Andy Love: lovea@parliament.uk
Christine McCafferty: mccafferty@btinternet.com
George Mudie: george@gmudie.fsnet.co.uk or hilaryharris@cwcom.net
Nick Raynsford: Contact Details
Joan Ruddock: hoyleel@parliament.uk
Sir Peter Soulsby: peter@petersoulsby.org
David Taylor: taylordl@parliament.uk
Jon Trickett: trickettj@parliament.uk
Rudi Vis: visr@parliament.uk
Robert Wareing: Contact Details

Drop them a line and make it clear how appalled you are by their decision to support the 42 day detention plan. In fact, while you are at it, why not email Tony 'I'll whore myself to the media to look tough' McNulty and Jacqui 'hard as nails' Smith:

Tony McNulty: mcnultyt@parliament.uk
Jacqui Smith: smithjj@parliament.uk

MOD To Keep Cluster Bombs

Remember the good old days of an 'ethical foreign policy'??? No? Neither do I. And here's a further reminder of this country's failure to operate ethically on the global stage:

The British government is deeply divided over its policy on cluster bombs on the eve of international negotiations about a ban, the Guardian has learned.

The split sets the Ministry of Defence, which wants to retain two types of cluster munitions in the British armoury, against Downing Street and the Foreign Office, which want to honour Gordon Brown's pledge last year "to work internationally for a ban" on those weapons that cause unacceptable harm to civilians.

An international conference on cluster munitions - shells or rockets which contain several smaller bombs - begins on Monday in Dublin. Officials said it was unlikely British divisions would be resolved by then. Instead, they hope the position taken by European allies could throw up a workable compromise.

Why not write to Des Browne and tell him what you think of this policy (in a polite way of course)? Here's his email address:

browned@parliament.uk

Now get cracking.

Chevron in Ecuador

Given Chevron's existing links to the White House (Condoleeza Rice sat on the board of Chevron for many years), it is perhaps unsurprising that another name connected to the White House has joined the company. However, given the recent revelations about the extent to which those at the seat of power had authorised torture techniques, it is quite surprising to learn who this man is, a certain William Haynes II.

Haynes was general counsel to the Pentagon from 2001 until February this year. As general counsel, Haynes was heavily involved in crafting legal policies that led to the horrific abuses at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay. So involved was Haynes, that he is currently under investigation by the Senate for his role at the Pentagon during this period. Perhaps his most important contribution to the Bush terror regime, was a memo relating to a further memo that claimed that torture conducted overseas is not covered by federal law. Consequently, Haynes and his boss, Donald Rumsfeld, used this memo to justify harsh interrogation techniques at Guantanamo. In short, Haynes was a crucial component of the Bush presidency who was particularly close to both Bush and Dick Cheney. In fact, he was such an ally to Bush, he even volunteered to make calls on Bush's behalf when Bush was up for election in 2000.

Haynes' role as chief corporate counsel could have serious repercussions for Chevron's ongoing battle in Ecuador relating to a charge of environmental damage. The damage is such that Richard Cabrera, a geologist appointed by the court, set a minimum of $7 billion in damages to remediate damage. He also added a maximum figure of $16 billion which would include penalties for "unjust enrichment." Of course, Chevron dismissed the findings out of hand and have attempted to have the report struck from the case claiming it is "flawed and patently partisan". Furthermore, there have been numerous accusations about Chevron's conduct during investigations, particularly regarding the efforts of Cabrera.

During the course of the investigations, Chevron has been accused of "engaging in a pattern of vicious,defamatory and unethical attacks" . These attacks include full page advertisements accusing Cabrera of being a criminal, stalking him whilst he was completing his fieldwork and filing a separate motion with another court to have him removed from the case. In fact, the harassment became so grave, that the trial judge 'ordered security agents to keep Chevron representatives away from Cabrera so he could complete his field work without interference or fear of intimidation'. Furthermore, although there is no proof that Chevron were responsible, Cabrera's office was broken into and a laptop containing files relating to the case went missing. Undoubtedly, there have been real concerted efforts to de-rail this case by Chevron. The efforts they have gone to underline quite how damaging this court case could be if they are ordered to pay damages to the people of Ecuador.

Chevron have already shown how far they prepared to push the boundaries of the law in Ecuador in order to protect their interests in the country. With the addition of Haynes to the team, there is no doubt that Chevron seem set to explore new methods to achieve their aims. If Chevron are willing to appoint a man who is partially responsible for gross human rights abuses in the name of national interest, one wonders just how far they are prepared to go in defending corporate interest. One can be sure that both Chevron, and Haynes, are preparing to take this battle to another level - a level that could have serious consequences for those seeking justice in Ecuador.


Further Information: ChevronToxico: Clean Up Ecuador Campaign

Message From Wal-Mart Watch

Some rare good news, taken from Wal-Mart Watch:

On April 1, 2008, Wal-Mart dropped all pending litigation against the Shank family. Thanks in part to the hundreds of people who wrote in to the company, as well of the contribution of many major news outlets, Debbie's family will be able to keep the money currently being held in trust for her future care. THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this victory possible. Click here to learn how you can help make sure this never happens to another Wal-Mart employee.

For more, watch the following clip:

Asda/Wal-Mart - They Really Hate Their Staff

Via an email alert from Wal-Mart Watch (Asda's parent company):

Today's lead story on CNN.com is about former Missouri Wal-Mart employee Debbie Shank. Debbie used to stock shelves at night for Wal-Mart. Now she owes Wal-Mart almost $500,000.

Tell Wal-Mart not to take her money:

http://action.walmartwatch.com/debbieshank

The 52 year-old was a Wal-Mart employee when she was left "brain damaged, disabled and penniless" from a car accident seven years ago. But after the Shank family received a settlement from the trucking company at fault, Wal-Mart demanded reimbursement for every cent it had paid for Debbie's medical bills - plus interest and legal fees.

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Debbie Shank's case, leaving her family no choice but to pay Wal-Mart $470,000. Now her family doesn't know how they're going to be able to afford Debbie's nursing home bills.

To make things worse, the $470,000 exceeds the remaining $277,000 in Debbie's trust from the settlement, which means Wal-Mart may even go after the donations given to the Shank family for Debbie's care, including the money you helped raise in November. This is just wrong.

Wal-Mart may have won the lawsuit, but the Shank family has already lost enough. The company claims that it has to collect the money for the good of all Wal-Mart employees. But, in this particularly egregious situation, surely the largest company in the world run by the wealthiest family in the United States can give this family a break.

Write to Wal-Mart executives and ask them to tell Lee Scott to do the right thing and let Debbie Shank keep her money:

http://action.walmartwatch.com/debbieshank

This company already has a reputation for treating its employees poorly, and this tragic situation exposes the company's pure heartlessness. The Shank family is living most people's worst nightmare - and Wal-Mart is only making it worse.
Debbie's husband, Jim, told reporters:

"She's 52 and she's going to live a life in a nursing home. I just got a call today from the head nurse, and (Debbie) hasn't eaten in a couple days and she's talking about wanting to die," Shank said. "It makes the visits hard."

... "Be a human being; don't be a corporation," Shank said, "for the sake of one lady who is going to be miserable for the rest of her life. Take your victory. Let us pay some bills and get some quality of life."

Capitalist bastards.

Email UN Secretary To Put Pressure on Burma

Taken from The Burma Campaign:

Ban Ki-moon – Go To Burma!

Email UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon now calling on him to go to Burma.

On Monday 10th March the UN Envoy to Burma, Ibrahim Gambari, left Burma empty handed after the regime rejected every proposal he made for restoring democracy in Burma.

It was the 35th visit to Burma by a UN envoy in the past 18 years, and there has not been a single reform to show for any of them. In fact, the human rights situation has got much worse.

It is time the UN woke up to the fact that this regime has been lying to UN envoys for almost two decades. It does not want reform and it is not interested in democracy.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon should take over the process. He should have the backing of a binding Security Council resolution, which under international law will force the regime to reform.

[Email template here]

Pharmaceutical Accused of "Cheating" NHS

Here is the real problem facing the NHS. Corporations and doctors are doing their level best to destroy the NHS and create the right environment for it to be abolished and replaced with a more lucrative (for them anyway) system. The latest example of corporate attempts to damage public healthcare, concerns the activities of Reckitt Benckiser. The following is taken from The Guardian:

A drug company faces accusations of cheating the NHS by blocking a generic version of Gaviscon, the lucrative treatment for indigestion.

Internal documents leaked from Reckitt Benckiser reveal the existence of Project Eric, a secret plan by the company to manipulate doctors and regulators.

Gaviscon is one of Britain's most common remedies, prescribed in large quantities to people with heartburn. It costs little to produce but its high price makes millions for its Hull-based manufacturer. Although Gaviscon has been out of patent for almost 10 years, a cheap generic version wanted by the government has never been developed. Such a drug could have saved the NHS up to £40m.

The leaked documents reveal in detail how the company blocked the generic version. It is a tactic known in the pharmaceuticals business as "evergreening".

The company says the memos were "inappropriate" and did not reflect Reckitt's eventual actions.

Extracts, due to be broadcast tonight on BBC Newsnight, disclose Reckitt's plan to manipulate regulators on supposed safety grounds, threaten legal challenges and spin out procedures.

Generic drugs are a real threat to the major pharmaceuticals. When a patent on a drug expires, they no longer have a monopoly on the market, this allows generic equivalents to be produced at a cheaper cost (without affecting quality). Cheaper generics = loss of business for pharmaceuticals. It also means massive financial savings for the NHS which can then be plowed into life saving equipment, or better paid nurses and medical staff. Of course, the more the big corporations can extract from the NHS, the more damage it does to our system of healthcare, paving the way for a system based on insurance that would penalise the poorest citizens.

There is a way that all of us can take action regarding this issue. Doctors are often persuaded to prescribe branded drugs by the big pharmaceuticals, rather than the cheaper generic versions. As I have said above, this costs the NHS huge sums of money unnecessarily. So, next time you get a prescription from your doctor, ask that s/he prescribes the name of the drug rather than the brand name. When taking your prescription along to a pharmacy, they are obliged to dispense the generic version and hence save the NHS lots of money (not to mention making you feel good about yourself for being so conscientious). The big pharmaceuticals may not like it, but what is more important, universal healthcare or corporate profit?

March 6th Will Be Day For Osanloo Mansour

Taken from Scoop:

Events will be held in London, Brussels and worldwide on 6 March 2008 as hundreds of thousands of trade unionists dedicate the day to demanding the release of imprisoned Iranian union leader Mansour Osanloo.

A demonstration will be held outside the Iranian Embassy at 16 Prince's Gate, London SW7 1PTF from 12:30 to 13:30, while across the United Kingdom thousands of transport workers will be leafleting passengers in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Newcastle and other locations. In recognition that Osanloo is an ex-bus driver and heads a bus drivers' union, a red double decker routemaster bus will be visiting London protest sites throughout the day. It will be at the embassy demonstration and will host a photo opportunity outside Portcullis House, Bridge Street, London SW1A (this event not yet confirmed, but planned to take place from 10:30 to 11:00), where union leaders and MPs (TBC) can be photographed next to it with the Houses of Parliament in the background. The campaign is being supported by the TUC, the unions Aslef, GMB, RMT, TSSA, Unison and Unite, as well as Amnesty International, which has declared Osanloo a prisoner of conscience.

Solidarity actions, including demonstrations, will be held at Iranian embassies, in cities, railway stations and at border crossings in Austria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Ethiopia, Cote d'Ivoire, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mali, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Spain, South Africa and Thailand. Other countries are planning activities.

The ITF can provide photos of Mansour Osanloo and will be distributing pictures of the March 6th event. A JPEG of an English language leaflet prepared especially for the day can also be sent to you on request to Dawson_sam@itf.org.uk .

The free Osanloo day is receiving particular backing from railway workers and their unions who have voted to dedicate a planned rail action day - which traditionally gives them the chance to promote rail as a safe and environmentally positive way of traveling - to also campaigning on Osanloo's behalf.

David Cockroft, ITF General Secretary, commented: "The Iranian government's continuing mistreatment of Mansour is a running sore. He has asked only for his basic rights and has been answered with fists, truncheons and manacles - but he has not been forgotten. On March 6th we will once again prove that he has friends and supporters around the world."

Stop Blair Becoming EU President

Tipped off by the one and only RickB at Ten Percent:


Petition against the nomination of Tony Blair as "President of the European Union"

Stop the murdering bastard before it's too late.

America - A Time For Change

From Avaaz:

Dear Friends,

Yesterday, the leading candidates for the next President of the United States became clear. They are Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain, and the winner will decide whether the nightmare of the Bush foreign policy is reversed or continued for another 4 years.

US citizens will choose their president, but global public opinion matters to them--they know that US respect in the world has plummeted under Bush, and they want a President who can deliver change. In the next few days, our uniquely global community has a real chance to influence the finalist candidates as they develop their campaign strategy. Click below to read and endorse our letter to the candidates. We'll publish it in US newspapers and deliver it personally to the Clinton, Obama and McCain campaigns--we need at least 100,000 people to sign it this week – so please sign and forward this email to friends right away:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/us_change_course/8.php

The message of the letter is simple: we are all in this together. The world is ready to partner with the US, but we need to see a real change of course from the Bush years. The letter is based on a poll of the Avaaz community, which found that our top 3 requests for change in US policy are:

* Help the world stop global warming
* Respect universal human rights
* Use diplomacy to prevent war and resolve conflict

There is a real chance that the candidates could adopt this simple agenda for change, but every day brings more risk that they will commit to another direction. Sign below and forward this email to all your friends and family:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/us_change_course/8.php

American power is declining in the world, but it still has enormous ability to do good or do harm. It will take decades to undo the global harm done by George Bush's disastrous Presidency. Let's help make sure America's next leader takes a different path.

With Hope,

Ricken, Iain, Pascal, Ben, Galit, Graziela and the whole Avaaz team.

Nuclear Guinea Pigs

You may remember I posted on the plight of the men who served on Christmas Island during the 1950s and have been hung out to dry by the MOD. Well, RickB came across a petition at the No10 website which I fully intend signing and hope you may consider the same. The petition is available at:

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/christmasisland/

Let's help them receive justice and get as many signatures as possible to raise the profile of this shocking treatment of these men.

Climate Wrecking in Bali

From Avaaz:

We're here at the climate summit in Bali -- but it's reached crisis point. Working late, negotiators were nearing consensus that developed countries should pledge post-Kyoto emissions cuts by 2020--a step which the scientists say is needed to avert the worst ravages of global warming, and which will help to bring China and the developing world onboard. But then the news broke: the US, Canada and Japan rejected any mention of such cuts. Every few hours the draft changes.

We can't let three governments hold the world to ransom: so we're launching a global emergency petition before the summit climax in 48 hours. We'll deliver our message every way we can -- a stark full-page advertisement in the Financial Times Asia, stunts at the conference gates, direct to country delegations -- telling Canada, Japan and the US to accept the option of post-Kyoto targets, and the rest of the world to settle for nothing less.

Please take a moment right now to sign the new global emergency petition -- the text is in the box above, so click this link to sign automatically if you've taken action with us before -- then tell all your friends: http://www.avaaz.org/bali_emergency/5.php

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the expiring Kyoto pact, but Japan, the US and Canada don't seem to want a workable global deal to follow it. There is almost universal agreement in Bali that the idea of 2020 climate targets should be included, making possible a deal to bring the developing world onboard over time. As the news links below make clear, the US, Japan and Canada are destroying that delicate bargain, not even allowing the idea to be mentioned.

We're doing everything we can. Tens of thousands of Canadian Avaaz members have launched an ad campaign telling their government not to betray them -- our Japanese members are emailing their leaders -- while our American members will send their own message to Bali as Al Gore and Congressional and local representatives land there, asking negotiators to ignore the official US delegation because it does not represent them.

Coming from every country on earth, all of us can play a direct role in the Bali face-off by signing this global emergency petition -- delivered at the summit gates, in a full-page Financial Times ad, and direct to delegates. Add your name at this link, act now and spread the word -- we have just 48 hours:

http://www.avaaz.org/bali_emergency/5.php

With determination and hope,

Paul, Ricken, Galit, Ben, Iain, Graziela, Milena and the whole Avaaz team

PS This article explains a bit of what's going on:

http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/12/10/news/climate.php

The New Scientist has more detail here:

http://www.newscientist.com/blog/environment/2007/12/bali-draft-hints-emissions-targets-may_10.html

We're in the thick of things here at Bali -- Avaaz was the only organisation allowed to demonstrate inside the fortified summit Saturday. As hundreds of thousands marched around the world, we brought over half a million voices to the heart of the decision-making venue, carrying big banners and scores of country flags. We've also been hosting the daily Fossil Awards of the Climate Action Network, the umbrella of all the NGOs here – see http://www.avaaz.org/fossils.

Avaaz on Total Oil and Burma

Far from the headlines, the crisis in Burma continues--fueled, in part, by international oil corporations like Total Oil and Chevron/Texaco. These corporations don't just fund the junta; they lobby on its behalf in capital cities around the world. These are the same companies many of us fuel up with. That means our pressure as consumers has the power to force change—and it's our responsibility to act.

Will you pledge to join the global boycott of Chevron and Total? The boycott will last until the companies withdraw from Burma, or until the Burmese junta begins a genuine democratic transition and frees all political prisoners--including Aung San Suu Kyi. We'll deliver all the pledges and comments straight to the top management of Chevron and Total. You can see what brands to avoid in your country and take the pledge, at:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/burma_corporate

French oil giant Total (which also owns ELF and FINA) and U.S.-based Chevron (which also owns Texaco, Caltex an Unocal) have been operating the Yadana natural gas pipeline in southern Burma since the early '90s.The junta takes in an estimated $450 million a year from the Yadana project alone--and uses that money to maintain its brutal control, while most people in Burma live in dire poverty. To keep their profits flowing, Chevron and Total lobby hard in the U.S. and Europe against government measures to support a democratic transition in Burma.

For companies like this, it's all about the bottom line. We must show them that if they keep backing the Burmese dictatorship, they will lose their customers--by the tens of thousands, the hundreds of thousands, even by the millions.

With enough pressure in the pocket book, we could actually get these companies to switch sides--using their enormous leverage with the Burmese regime to push for the democratic reforms necessary to call off the boycott. It just requires more loss from the boycott than profit from the junta.

Could that happen? Yes--if we act together. That's why we're raising a call for an international boycott of Total and Chevron. The pledge: to refuse to buy fuel from any Total, Chevron, ELF, FINA, Texaco or Caltex station in our home countries and wherever we travel. The boycott will last until the Burmese junta begins a genuine democratic transition and frees all political prisoners--including Aung San Suu Kyi --or until these companies exit Burma completely.

To make sure our voice is heard, we'll deliver all the boycott pledges and comments straight to the senior corporate management of Chevron and Total Oil. You can add your name to the boycott pledge today, at:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/burma_corporate

We've all witnessed the rise of global corporations whose power crosses national boundaries. But today, Chevron and Total are going to witness the rise of something greater: global people power. Today, as consumers and wold citizens, we stand up together to demand justice for the people of Burma – and our voices will be heard.

With hope,

Ricken, Paul, Pascal, Graziela, Galit, Ben, Milena, Sarah, Iain - the whole Avaaz team

P.S. Chevron and Total often try to hide behind the argument that their presence benefits the Burmese population. But the call to target Chevron and Total comes directly from the people of Burma themselves:

"Total has become the main supporter of the Burmese military regime."

-- Aung San Suu Kyi
Nobel Peace Prize winner and last elected leader of Burma

Osanloo Receives Medical Treatment

Good news courtesy of Ten Percent, Mansour Osanloo has received the medical treatment that was so desperately required. Taken from the ITF's website:

Following major protests last week the ITF is delighted to have learned that on Saturday Mansour Osanloo received the emergency eye treatment that it, Amnesty International and trade unions worldwide demanded. The ITF says that it hopes that this may be a first step towards more humane and just treatment of the prisoners. The campaign for their release continues.

Encouraging news from Iran. However, this is not enough. Osanloo must be released immediately to ensure that he can continue to receive the medical attention he requires and to continue his peaceful activities as a union activist. There is much to be done. You can still take action by visiting Amnesty's website here.

Mansour Osanloo Still Incarcerated in Evin Prison

In July of this year, Mansour Osanloo was snatched from a bus and placed in the notorious Evin prison. Three months later, and Osanloo is still confined to a prison cell. As a result of his continued incarceration, the International Transport Workers' Federation have produced this video telling the story of Osanloo's fight for the rights of the workers in Iran. Please take time to watch the short clip and, when you have done so, sign Amnesty International's petition demanding that Osanloo receive immediate medical attention.

Amnesty International Needs your Help To Pressurise the Military Regime in Burma

Amnesty International is calling on people to pressurise the Burmese military junta in the wake of the crackdown on peaceful demonstrations. As Amnesty points out, the military regime has been responsible for countless human rights violations over the years, including:

* The holding of more than 1,160 political prisoners in deteriorating prison conditions. Detainees include most senior opposition figures

*The use of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, especially during interrogation and pre-trial detention

*The use of child soldiers and forced labour

*Laws that criminalise the peaceful expression of political dissent

*People frequently being arrested without warrant and held incommunicado

*Judicial proceedings against political detainees that fall short of international fair trial standards

*Defendants being denied the right to legal counsel and prosecutors relying on
confessions extracted through torture

Amnesty has also created a template email/letter that can be sent to Burma's Foreign Minister urging for the release of any prisoners taken as a result of the demonstrations. To find out more, click here.

Email Your Examples of BBC Bias

Sometimes, a troll around the nutty blogs can be a great help. Mark at USS Neverdock (who still hasn't published my comments - little bit of censorship there, naughty, naughty) has the following comment on his blog:

From Eureferendum

Tory MP, Bob Spink, has seized the moment to table an early day motion (EDM) in the House of Commons, broadening out the debate to remind members that there are bigger issues at stake than the petty corruption of rigging phone-in contests and the like

Spink is asking for examples of BBC bias and he can contacted here

spinkr@parliament.uk


http://eureferendum.blogspot.com...on-of- beeb.html
will 07.19.07 - 2:26 pm #

So, the Conservatives are asking for examples of BBC bias are they? Well, I like to fulfil my duty to society so I will be emailing Mr Spink to give him a few examples, like this one and this one. I would heartily recommend taking Will's advice and emailing Mr Spink with as many examples of the BBC's right-wing bias as you can find. If you get a response, please forward it to me and, with your permission, I will post it here alongside any reply that I receive. Just in case you don't get the point, email him here:

spinkr@parliament.uk

Latest News on Mansour Osanloo

Taken from the International Transport Workers' Federation's (ITWF) website:

As Iranian trade unionist Mansour Osanloo began his second week of captivity the ITF vowed to carry on its efforts to secure his release. The organisation once again called on the Iranian authorities to free him, while continuing its campaign to marshal worldwide support for the persecuted labour leader (see www.itfglobal.org/solidarity/osanloo2.cfm).

Osanloo remains in Evin prison, and no reason has yet been given for his arrest and continuing detention, which had originally been denied by government and police. The ITF has welcomed the raising of his gangster-style arrest and subsequent imprisonment by both European Union External Affairs Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner and, as reported today by the Associated Press, by the Defending Prisoners’ Rights Society, based in Tehran.

ITF General Secretary David Cockroft said: “Our campaign to release Mansour continues, and continues growing. The Iranian authorities, who have persecuted this valiant man for so long, must put up or shut up. Explain what charge he is held on or release him. And while they’re struggling with that idea the very least they can do is allow him access to his family, a lawyer and a doctor.”

Click on the banner at the top of the page to find out what you can do to help.

Iranian Authorities Admit Osanloo Detained in Evin Prison

Taken from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) website:

After two days of denying all knowledge of his whereabouts, the authorities in Iran this afternoon (Thursday 12 July) admitted that Mansour Osanloo is being held in Evin Prison, Tehran.

Osanloo was snatched from a bus two days ago by unidentified assailants. Since then his family, colleagues, lawyers and friends have met a wall of denials when questioning the authorities about who was holding him.

The order to arrest Osanloo is believed to have come from Revolutionary Court Judge Saeed Mortazavi, who had denied any knowledge of Osanloo’s whereabouts.

ITF General Secretary David Cockroft said: “At least we now know where Mansour is being held. We will campaign with renewed vigour for his release, and for the Iranian Government to rein in the loose cannons responsible for this latest shameful attack.”

Osanloo was attacked as he was getting off a bus and was subsequently severely beaten according to witnesses. He was then bundled into a car before being taken away by unidentified assailants. Once again, it emerges that Osanloo has been detained in the notorious Evin prison.

How you can help

The ITF is currently running a campaign to demand fair treatment for Osanloo and ensure his immediate release. You can help in the following ways:

1. Sign the petition

To urge President Ahmadjinejad to take every step possible to ensure the safety and immediate release of Mansour Osanloo.

2. Send a Protest Letter

Click the above link to send a protest email to President Ahmadjinejad.

Please do your bit to force the Iranian government to observe basic human rights and ensure the safe release of Osanloo and an end to his persecution at the hands of the state.

Action Taken So Far

ITF and ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation) have taken the following action to bring pressure on the Iranian Government:

· They have jointly written to President Ahmadinejad, protesting against the attack.

· They have asked ILO (International Labour Organization) Director General Juan Somavia to help free Osanloo. ILO Executive Director Kari Tapiola today raised the matter with the Iranian Labour Attaché in Geneva.

· They have added this latest attack to their complaint to the ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association against the Government of Iran.

· They have promised to mobilise trade unions internationally to shame the Government of Iran if Osanloo is not released today.

ITF General Secretary David Cockroft stated: “Three weeks ago we were applauding Mansour. One week ago we were successfully campaigning to have his deputy released from another unjustified arrest. This week we are profoundly worried about his physical safety and want to see Mansour freed and among his friends and family as quickly as possible.”

“We utterly condemn this latest cowardly mob attack on our friend and colleague, and urge the Government of Iran to wake up and deal with the elements within that have pulled off this latest act of repression.”

Ofcom May Allow Politically Biased News

On the subject of de-regulation, worrying noises coming from Ofcom:

BSkyB and other commercial broadcasters, apart from ITV, Channel 4 and Five, could be allowed to produce politically slanted news programmes from 2012, the broadcast regulator Ofcom said yesterday.

The idea could pave the way for Iran’s news channel Press TV on cable or satellite, or broadcasters with a party political affiliation such as the pro-Conservative 18DoughtyStreet.com.

Ofcom, in a consultation document entitled New News, Future News, said that the “enormous expansion in the number of television news services available raises questions about the continuing relevance of rules on impartiality” because every new news channel adopted a similar approach. (The Times)

Fox News is on its way, bet The Times was over the moon when it received this piece of news. They also added at the bottom of their report the following:

The regulator is calling for responses and the replies generated will feed into a review of the future of public service broadcasting in the UK.

Typically, they give no information on how to respond to Ofcom, so I have hunted through their website (not an easy task) to find out how you can voice your concerns about this move.

You can read their News Release here.

To give your feedback contact john.glover@ofcom.org.uk

Take action now!!