I’m not very good at updating readers on the progress of campaigns I’ve supported, and in keeping with that I’m late with the news that Iranian trade unionist Mahmoud Salehi has been released, this follows an international campaign to which I made a modest contribution last December.

Mahmoud Salehi, was imprisoned following his attendance of peaceful celebrations of May Day in 2004, and was denied the medical attention he required as he struggled with chronic kidney disease. However, while Mahmoud Salehi is free fellow trade unionist Mansour Ossanlu remains imprisoned.

Mansour Ossanlu’s crime is to be an effective trade unionist. Achievements of his unrecognised Union of Workers of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company include a $50 per month pay rise for bus drivers, contracts for temporary workers and childcare allowances for women workers. Ossanlu has been beaten and tortured in prison. His tongue was cut as a warning not to speak so freely on behalf of his fellow workers.

To learn more about the work of Mansour Ossanlu and his comrades watch the video below. And don’t forget to lodge your protest with the Iranian authorities; it’s your chance to make a difference and only takes a few mouse clicks.

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