Detention of Iranian labour activist Yaser Ahmadinejad
Tabled 1 July 2026 by John McDonnell
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.