A/HRC/37/68/Add.1
the field of social, civil and human rights, although the misuse of civil rights activists or human
rights defenders or any other similar title cannot undermine their judicial responsibility.
Unfortunately, in some cases, the use of the title of the active rights of women, workers and
human rights defenders has been used with impunity and tolerance, to the extent that with this
interpretation, in some cases, terrorists may also be subjected to this title. In addition, the use
of the title of civil rights activist or human rights defenders to insult individuals who, according
to their anti-social behaviors, ignore the norms of the society and commit offenses against the
law, which is an insult to the true defenders of human rights.
According to Article 26 of the Constitution and Article 131 of the Labor Law, the right to
form associations and trade unions has been identified (executive by-law of this article is under
consideration). In addition, article 73 of the Fifth Development Plan, paragraph h, emphasizes
the strengthening of labor and employer organizations, "the legal right of trade protest" for
these organizations, and, in this regard, the Code of Practice for the Management and
Organization of workers' protest has been developed. Certainly, holding any gathering is
subject to the prior authorization of the relevant authorities. According to official statistics,
dozens of grassroots demonstrations take place in the country every year in the workplace and
public areas, and rallying or protesting is not seen as an act against security. On the other hand,
labor problems in Iran have been created after the intensification of unlawful, unilateral and
imposed sanctions (in Iran's trade relations with other countries) which have also resulted in
closure of some industrial units, problems in paying salaries and benefits of many classes of
the society, including the workers. The management and the plans and decisions of the
authorities have so far relieved the problems to a considerable amount; and in particular, the
lack of abidance of the United States with its obligations under the Comprehensive Plan of
Action, has been struggling against the policies of economic reform and the elimination of the
Iranian people's problems in this area. This attitude of the US has led to free banking
cooperation and ultimately further problems for all walks of life. In addition to domestic
measures, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the member states of the Non-Aligned Movement,
by adopting a resolution on the United Nations Human Rights Council, have put in place a
special Rapporteur to investigate undesirable human rights violations of unilateral sanction of
the states. In the future, these activities could be effective in removing such sanctions and
preventing it from being repeated for developing countries. However, authorities have been
trying to deal with the working community with the highest possible tolerance, and even after
the finalization of judicial decisions, attempts have been made to reduce penalties. In a few
cases, unfortunately, the accused has misused the available capacities in the field of labor for
illegal purposes, such as consolidating terrorist goals, encouraging armed action and actions for
overthrowing the system, harboring ethnic and religious hatred. Also, in line with further
support of the Iranian workers, Iran has continued its effective and constructive engagement
with the International Labour Organization.
Reply to paragraph 40
Mr. Reza Shahabi was arrested on 14 June 2010, and charged with committing offense
against the security of the country through the association with the terrorist group of MKO
(which has been repeatedly recognized by various countries as a terrorist organization and its
terrorist acts resulted in martyrdom of more than 17,000 Iranian people, as well as thousands
of Iraqi citizens during the period of Saddam Hussein) and receiving money from the terrorist
group and propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic of Iran. He is the driver of Tehran
and suburbs Bus Company. According to available documents, Mr. Shahabi has been
cooperating with the terrorist group of MKO since late 2008, in the form of news and
information manipulation, attending illegal gatherings for filming, photographing, and sending
via the internet to the terrorist organization of MKO.
Therefore, considering the above, he was charged with 1- association and collusion with the
intention of committing a crime against the security of the country through communication
with the terrorist group of MKO; and 2. Propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran, He
was tried by the Tehran court and after the defense his lawyer, XXXXXXXXX, and following
legal proceedings, according to the lawsuit dated 10 April 2012, and in accordance with article
47 of the Islamic Penal Code, he was sentenced to five years' imprisonment on the first part of
his charges and one year's imprisonment, including the duration of the arrest, as well as
extradition of seventy million rials in cash in favor of the government. The verdict was
reviewed by the Branch 36 of the Provincial Court of Appeals and after being re-examined by
17
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents