ITF delegation urges release of imprisoned Moroccan union leader

News Release International Transport Federation (ITF) August 6, 2012

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July 2012<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =
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ITF
delegation steps up pressure to release imprisoned Moroccan union leader
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An ITF delegation is in Morocco to step up pressure on the Moroccan
government to release from prison trade union leader Said
Elhairech.<o:p></o:p>
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Mukhtar Hili from Tunisia, member of ITF’s executive board, and
Dockers’ Section Secretary Frank Leys is holding a series of high-level meetings
and attempting to visit Said in prison. 
They are working closely with Meiloudi Mukhareq, general secretary of the
Moroccan national trade union centre, UMT, to which Said’s dockers’ union is
affiliated. <o:p></o:p>
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Frank Leys said:<o:p></o:p>
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“Despite his being imprisoned for more than 40 days on ridiculous and
politically motivated charges, we are told that Said is in good health and his
morale is high. We are going to the 
prison today to try to see him.<o:p></o:p>
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“We
are relieved that the submission today by his new, ITF-appointed lawyer of a
formal legal request for his provisional release meant that Said has decided to
postpone his threatened hunger strike.
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“We are, however, frustrated that Said’s judicial hearing has been
postponed because another stage of the investigation has been ordered. A number
of witnesses have given evidence already, including the former Mayor of Tangier,
Samir Abdelmoula. <o:p></o:p>
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“Said
was arrested on charges of endangering national security, which he completely
denies. In fact, the charges recast the excellent work Said did at ITF’s request
to help abandoned Comarit-Comanav crews.
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“Said should never have been imprisoned in the first place and must
be released as a matter of urgency. We are using every opportunity during our
visit to urge the government to make real their assurances that justice will be
done for Said.<o:p></o:p>
”We are very appreciative of the role the ITF’s Arab world region has
played in mounting the campaign to free Said and hope that the global trade
union family will soon be able to celebrate his
release.”<o:p></o:p>
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Frank Leys added: “At all times, the UMT has been clear that it
welcomes foreign companies investing in Morocco as long as working conditions,
freedom of association and collective bargaining do not suffer as a
result.”<o:p></o:p>
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