Several Labor Activists Arrested in Iran

Several prominent labor activists have been arrested in Iran ahead of May 1, International Workers' Day.

They include Ebrahim Madadi and Davood Razavi, senior members of the Union of the Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company. Both men were reportedly arrested in Tehran on April 29.

On April 28, two labor activists, Mahmud Salehi and Osman Esmaili, were arrested in Saghez, in northwestern Iran, sources told RFE/RL.

The arrests appear to be an attempt by the Iranian authorities to prevent activists from observing International Workers' Day.

Authorities have in recent years taken measures to prevent or disrupt gatherings by labor activists.

Based on reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda broadcaster Roozbeh Bolhari