ITF welcomes release of Madadi - but is concerned about Salehi

international | worker & community struggles and protests | other press Tuesday December 18, 2007 14:47 by pat c

A statement below from the ITF regarding the release of Ebrahim Madadi; however the ITF are concerned regarding the continuing detention of Mahmoud Salehi who is seriously ill.

In response to the release yesterday of Ebrahim Madadi, the Vice President of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, David Cockroft, ITF General Secretary said: "This is very good news - Madadi had committed no crime. Let us hope that the Iranian authorities have finally understood that trade union activities are a vital part of any strong society."

Ebrahim Madadi celebrates his release with his family and union members.

On his release, Madadi thanked the ITF, ITUC and trade unions around the world for their continued support. Without international pressure, his release would not have been so rapidly achieved, he emphasised.

Cockroft criticised the treatment in detention of Mahmoud Salehi, the former President of the Saquez bakers' union. Salehi is suffering from one failed kidney, kidney stones, heart and intestinal problems. He was hospitalised on December 4th with high blood pressure and re-admitted to hospital on December 11th after losing consciousness.

Cockroft also demanded the release of Mansour Osanloo, President of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, who has been detained since July.

Full text of statement at link below.