Saeed Torabian, the spokesman of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company (Sherkat-e Vahed) trade union, was arrested on 9 June at his home by security officials who also confiscated his computer and mobile phone. He was released on 20 July on heavy bail and charged with “acting against national security” and “propaganda against the system”.
On 12 June Reza Shahabi, the union treasurer, was tricked while on sick leave to report back to the headquarters of the Bus Company. There, security officials took the unionist to his house, performed a search and confiscated Shahabi’s computer. Shahabi was transferred to ward 209 of Evin prison. International trade unions received reliable reports that Shahabi had been heavily interrogated, despite reported health issues, and denied legal advice or contact with his family. Shabahi’s family paid the bail of 60 million toman (the equivalent of EUR 37,000); however, the release was delayed. The unionist went on a hunger strike from 4 to 20 December, and only stopped when urged by his colleagues. His court hearing had not been held by the end of the year, since his lawyer had not received Shabahi’s file on time.
On 3 November, Torabian and fellow trade unionist Gholamreza Gholamhosseini were beaten up in a Karaj internet café by six men who then dragged the unionists to prison. After being interrogated and threatened, Saeed Torabian was released on bail. Gholamreza Gholamhosseini remained in jail by the end of the year.
On 9 November, another union member, Homayoun Jabari, accompanied Gholamhosseini’s wife to the intelligence office to try to discover her husband’s whereabouts. Jabari was detained and held at branch four of Rajai Shahr prison for eleven days and eventually released on a bail of USD 30,000. Jabari’s house was also searched, and his computer and books were confiscated by the security officers, who also threatened his wife. Earlier, on 2 March, Jabari had been charged with “plots against national security” because of his participation in the 2009 May Day rally. He had been unfairly dismissed, and the Bus Company has continued to obstruct Jabari’s reinstatement, despite a court order.
On 23 November Morteza Komsari of the same union was summoned to court and arrested upon appearance. Komsari, along with Aliakbar Nasariis, who was similarly arrested on 29 November, was released at the end of December.