IRAN: Campaign to save Iranian unionist's life

The following appeal was made by Rahman Hoseinzadeh, secretary of the Kurdistan Worker-Communist Party of Iran, on November 1.

Mahmood Salehi, president of the Bakers' Syndicate in the city of Saqez, Kurdistan in Iran, was arrested for the second time by security forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran and sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment from August 28. According to the latest reports, his health has rapidly deteriorated and his condition is critical.

On October 24, 180 workers attended the meeting of the Bakers' Syndicate in Saqez and signed a petition to demand that Salehi receive immediate medical treatment. On October 27, Salehi's condition was so bad that two people had to carry him to see his wife for a brief visit. The prison authorities eventually allowed him a visit to a hospital, but kept him chained and guarded by four prison officers.

Salehi's "crime" is that he is a union activist and defends workers' rights — something that incurs heavy punishment, including possible death, in the Islamic Republic.

The Worker-Communist Party of Iran has organised a campaign for the release of Mahmood Salehi. It is calling on all freedom-seeking people, workers' organisations, left-wing parties and human rights bodies across the world to take immediate action.

Please support this campaign by sending letters to demand that the regime release Salehi. Write to Mohammad Khatami, The President, Palestine Avenue, Azerbaijan Intersection, Tehran, Iran, fax +0098 216 464 443, email <khatami@president.ir>. Send a copy to the Iranian embassy in Australia, fax (02) 6290 2431.

Please keep us informed of any action you take, at fax (02) 9630 9345, or email <r-hoseinzadeh@yahoo.com>.

From GLW issue 427