After giving a statement to police Ansari was then transfered to a government hospital for treatment for multiple injuries sustained through being kicked and punched repeatedly by his attacker. He has now been released from hospital and has joined his friends at the demonstration that continues outside the gates of Viva Global.

The details of his ordeal are in a pollice statement made to police in the early hours of this morning. This statements suggest that his kidnappers are linked to a labour contractor, PNG. We understand that Ansari may have been taken to the labour agents office and given medication and food following his attack and before being released. Other witness claim that at least one of the men involved in the attack on workers earlier that morning was also from P and D.

Ansari claims that his attackers warned him that this was his last chance to stop his union activities. He was told that if he was seen in the area in the future he would be killed.

Union President, Anannya Batterchjee, ended her hunger strike this morning once Ansari's return had been confirmed and he had been transfered to hospital. The demonstration by over 100 VG workers continues however. The workers, joined by students, unions and supporters, are pledging to continue the demonstration until Ansari's attackers are brought to justice.

Workers are also demanding that the violence and intimidation against workers, which has been increasing over the past six months, is ended and that contract workers, locked out of the factory since last Saturday are reinstated to their orignial positions and given back pay. They are also demanding that Viva Global stop outsourcing work to other units in an effort to undermine the union and send work to non unionised facilities.

For several months the Garment and Allied workers union has been calling on Viva Global management and Marks and Spencer, the main buyer from the factory to engage in tripartite negotiations with the union. Recent events only underline the urgent need for such meeting to start immediatly, to ensure the peaceful resolution to this dispute and begin negotiations on other outstanding demands.
Take action now to send a message to Viva Global and M&S to immediatly begin these negotiations and guarantee that VG will be allowed to join the union of their choice free from fear of violent retaliation or dismissal.