Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 23 October 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 October 2007. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Monday, 29 October 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Mansour Osanlou

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the government of Iran to ensure that Mansour Osanloo, the gaoled leader of the bus workers' union in Tehran, receives proper medical care for his eye condition; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: According to a 23 October report from Amnesty International, Mansour Ossanlou (the detained president of the Syndicate of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company) finally underwent an eye operation in a Tehran hospital on 20 October, where his family were allowed to visit him. We believe he returned to Evin prison on 25 October. We remain concerned about the treatment of prisoners in Iran, including lack of access to legal representation and medical treatment. In a meeting with the Iranian Ambassador on 16 July I raised specific concerns about the treatment of Mr. Ossanlou and urged Iran to ensure that he is treated well and in accordance with his rights.Mr. Ossanlou has been arrested and detained several times over the last two years for his involvement in peaceful industrial action by the bus worker's union. We have serious concerns about Iran's commitment to uphold its international obligations with regard to freedom of expression, freedom of association and the right to form or join trade unions. We are following Mr. Ossanlou's situation closely, and will continue to raise our concerns with the Iranian authorities, bilaterally and through the EU.

Secondary information