Brussels April 26 2001 (ICFTU OnLine): The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), the world’s largest trade union body, has welcomed the release of Mahmood Salehi, an Iranian labour leader. After having spent 10 months in prison, suffering harsh conditions and living with only one kidney, the activist from Saqez was freed by prison authorities on April 18. President of the Bakery Workers Union of the city of Saqez, Mahmood Salehi was sent to prison on August 24, 2000 for attempting to defend worker’s rights and organising. Last November, the ICFTU strongly protested over Tehran’s methods aimed at silencing trade unionists and urged the government to set an example of good  will by releasing Mr Salehi, thus respecting the internationally-recognised right of trade unions to carry out their activities in full freedom and security. In its Annual Survey 2001, the ICFTU notes Iran’s poor record on trade union rights. The law does not give workers the right to strike and a 1993 law simply prohibits strikes by government workers. This discriminatory attitude was demonstrated on May 1 1999 when dozens were arrested in Teheran after protesting against a proposed law on small businesses. Moreover at least 400,000 workers from some 500 companies are now suffering from wage arrears stretching back between 3 and 24 months. For more information, please contact the ICFTU Press Department on +32 2 224 0232 or +32 476 62 10 18.