9/23/2009

Truth from the Streets of Rangoon

The next meeting of Amnesty International Group 112 Niagara Region takes place Monday, September 28 at 7:30 pm at the Church of the Transfiguration (corner of Glenridge and Glendale) in St. Catharines. This month’s meeting will feature the 2007 UK film Inside Burma’s Uprising: The truth from the streets of Rangoon by filmmaker Francis Smith.

Amnesty International Niagara Region meets on the fourth Monday of each month (except December, July and August) at 7:30 pm at the Church of the Transfiguration in St. Catharines. Each month’s meeting features a presentation or film on a specific human rights issue or region of concern. Meetings are open to anyone interested in human rights and social justice issues.

Hope to see you there. Remember family and friends are always welcome!

9/21/2009

Labour Council Human Rights Committee Appeal

Amnesty International

Jailed Iranian trade unionist urgently needs your help Two years ago, when Mansour Ossanlu was at risk of losing his eyesight, your protests led to his transfer to hospital for the operation he needed. Now he needs your help again.I'm sorry to tell you that Ossanlu's health has deteriorated again. And once more he is being denied the specialist care that prison doctors say he urgently needs. The case judge says that he cannot be treated outside the prison.Send a message to the Iranian authorities to insist that they meet their humanitarian responsibilities to Ossanlu and to call for freedom for all jailed trade unionists.

Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei - Leader of the Islamic Republic
The Office of the Supreme LeaderIslamic Republic Street - Shahid Keshvar Doust StreetTehran, Islamic Republic of Iran

His Excellency Mahmoud Ahmadinejad - President of Iran
The PresidencyPalestine AvenueAzerbaijan IntersectionTehran, Islamic Republic of Iran

Mr Rasoul Movahedian - Ambassador of Iran in the UK
Embassy of Islamic Republic of Iran16 Prince’s Gate, London SW7 1PT

Dear Sir
We understand that the Coroner, or Medical Examiner attached to Raja’i Shahr Prison in Karaj has directed, both this year and last, that prison officials grant Mansour Ossanlu medical leave in order to receive appropriate treatment. We understand that prison officials, have disregarded this directive and denied him leave. We respectfully remind you that every prisoner has the right to adequate medical attention and that you are responsible for prisoners’ wellbeing.
We are very concerned that Ossanlu appears to be held solely on account of his peaceful trade union activities, in which case he should be released immediately and unconditionally. We remind you of the obligations of Iran under ICCPR Article 22 (1) and ILO conventions 87 and 98, which provide for the right to form and join trade unions.
As a priority, We urge the authorities to ensure that he is given immediate and regular access to his lawyers, and his family as well as adequate and appropriate medical care.
We also urge you to ensure that all jailed Iranian trade unionists, and those facing prosecution and imprisonment arising from legitimate trade union activities, are released, including Ossanlu’s colleague, Ebrahim Madadi, and teacher Farzad Kamangar.
Thank You

9/04/2009

Labour Day Potluck

The St. Catharines & District Labour Council will be sponsoring a Labour Day Potluck at 4:00 pm on Sunday, September 6, 2009 at 4:00 pm. Ontario New Democratic Party leader Andrea Horwath and Canadian Union of Public Employees Ontario President Sid Ryan will be taking part along with labour singer George Hewison and the Raging Grannies.
The event will be held at 36 Sunnylea Dr. in St. Catharines just off of Carlton St. between Grantham Ave. and Bunting Rd. For more information telephone (905) 934-6233 or email ballen@cogeco.ca