Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor John McDonnell (Labour), on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 6 members in total.

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Detention of Iranian labour activist Yaser Ahmadinejad

That this House expresses its deep concern regarding the 33-month prison sentence handed to Iranian oil worker and labour activist Yaser Ahmadinejad; notes that Mr Ahmadinejad, a former employee of the Arkan Saless drilling company, was convicted of propaganda against the state and other charges following his peaceful advocacy for fair pay and improved working conditions for contract workers in Iran’s oil and gas fields; further notes reports that his sentencing follows a period of victimisation for his role in voicing the legitimate demands of workers; condemns the ongoing use of the Iranian judicial system to criminalise trade union activity and freedom of expression; calls on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to make urgent representations to the Iranian authorities for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Ahmadinejad; and further calls for an end to the systemic persecution of all labour activists and the release of all political prisoners currently held in Iran.

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Secondary information

Type

Early day motion

Reference

505 

Session

2026-27

Other sponsors

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Luke Akehurst

Neil Duncan-Jordan

Siân Berry

Subjects

Political prisoners Iran Ahmadinejad, Yaser

Link

View this Early day motion on edm.parliament.uk