Iranian authorities deny releasing Workers movement activist

Mahmoud Salehi, a Union activist has finished his prison sentence, but Iranian authorities have refrained from releasing him.

Mahmoud Salehi is one of the founders of Workers Union guild of Khabaz city. He is also a member of the founder's board of the Iranians workers Syndicate. He was invited to discuss the 1st of May workers' rally with the Governor this March, but was arrested instead and transferred to Sanandaj prison.

His prison sentenced ended on 23 March this year, but he was given another 2 months of detention by the so called revolutionary court of Sanandaj (West of Iran).

According to his family, Mr. Salehi has begun a dry hunger strike, denying food and water, in protest to this unjust act. This is while he suffers acute kidney problems.

Three Human Right organizations and Workers syndicate have demanded the release of Mr. Salehi from the Islamic Republic authorities. Amnesty International, International Federation of transport workers, and the Free Confederation of Workers have expressed grave concern over Mr. Salehis health, who has began a hunger strike in protest of his continued detention. In this protest they have reiterated that "Mr. Salehi needs long term treatment to heal his kidneys".

On Sunday a group of workers from various cities in Iran, gathered in front of Sannadaj prison in protest of this illegal detention, and demanded Mr. Salehis' freedom.