TUC calls for action to save the life of Iranian trade unionist Mahmoud Salehi

The TUC, along with other human rights organisations, is today (Saturday) demanding proper medical treatment and a pardon for Mahmoud Salehi, a bakery workers' representative from Saqez who has been in prison since 2004 and suffers from a serious kidney disease.

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Amnesty International, LabourStart, the International Union of Foodworkers (IUF), the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) are calling for action now because Mahmoud Salehi's health is deteriorating and becoming critical. The European Union has also expressed concern about his imprisonment and medical condition.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'There is genuine reason to fear for Mahmoud Salehi's life. No trade unionist should have to suffer what he and his family have suffered. Mahmoud requires urgent medical attention and access to his family.

'He shouldn't be in jail at all and the TUC, together with trade unionists all over the world, call on the Iranian government to stop this inhumane treatment now.'

The Iranian Government has recently freed Ebrahim Madadi of the Vahed bus workers' union and Reza Dehgan of the union of building, painters and decoration workers on bail - partly because of international pressure. However, four further trade unionists - Ebrahim Gohari from the Vahed bus workers' union and Mohsen Hakimi, Alireza Asghari and Hossein Gholami, have recently been arrested.

Brendan Barber continued: 'By keeping up the pressure, we can help to protect Mahmoud Salehi and his trade union colleagues by showing the Iranian Government that they are being watched around the world. It is vital that Iran's shocking human and trade union rights record is kept in the spotlight. It will show trade unionists in Iran that they are not alone and ultimately help to force their release.

'The TUC calls for the release of all those Iranian trade unionists imprisoned for their trade union activities.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- To find out more about Mahmoud Salehi go to www.tuc.org.uk/salehi

- To take action immediately, go to http://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions_details.asp?ActionID=386.

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Register for the TUC's press extranet: a service exclusive to journalists wanting to access pre-embargo releases and reports from the TUC. Visit www.tuc.org.uk/pressextranet

Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Rob Holdsworth M: 07921 236 972 E: rholdsworth@tuc.org.uk

Press release (400 words) issued 21 Dec 2007

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