Amnesty calls for release of trade unionist from Iran jail

Iran Focus: London, Dec. 22 – A prominent international human rights organisation called for the immediate release of an Iranian trade union leader who was rushed to hospital after collapsing in prison. Iran Focus

London, Dec. 22 – A prominent international human rights organisation called for the immediate release of an Iranian trade union leader who was rushed to hospital after collapsing in prison.

Amnesty International said that it had received reliable reports that Mahmoud Salehi, a spokesperson for the Organisational Committee to Establish Trade Unions, was taken unconscious to Tohid hospital in Sanandaj on 11 December, after repeatedly collapsing in prison between 4-10 December as a result of his health problems.

“Salehi has a long-term history of kidney and heart complaints. In May 2007, his doctor made a request asking for Salehi to receive specialist treatment. That request continues to be ignored” Amnesty International said in a statement on Friday.

“Amnesty International regards Salehi as a prisoner of conscience and has ongoing concerns for his well-being”, it said. “The case is the latest example of the Iranian authorities continual disregard for the health of prisoners”.

“Mahmoud Salehi’s life is at risk. He urgently needs proper and sustained treatment outside prison. The Iranian government must release him now”, said Shane Enright, Amnesty International UK’s Trade Union Campaigns Manager.

Salehi was arrested after a demonstration to celebrate May Day 2004.