Transfer of Mahmoud Salehi, Imprisoned Labor Activist, to Hospital Due to 'Worsening Heart Condition'

The Free Union of Iranian Workers reported that Mahmoud Salehi, a imprisoned labor activist, was transferred from Saqez prison to Imam Khomeini Hospital in the city early on Friday, November 3, due to the worsening of his heart condition. According to the report, Mr. Salehi was first taken to the prison infirmary and then 'immediately' transferred to the hospital, where he has been hospitalized in the cardiology department since. Previously, the family of this imprisoned labor activist had warned about his heart, kidney, and diabetes issues. In this regard, Sarmand Salehi, Mahmoud Salehi's son, told Radio Farda that he and his mother had met with the Saqez prosecutor and warned about his condition. He mentioned that his father had undergone surgery twice this year. Two days before Mahmoud Salehi's heart condition worsened, his defense committee, which is represented by his wife Najibe Salehi, issued a statement saying that prison guards had refused to provide blankets, warm clothing, and even a bed, which led to the cold symptoms experienced by this labor activist. The authorities at Saqez prison have not responded to this statement. Mahmoud Salehi was arrested on November 29 after undergoing dialysis at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Saqez and was transferred to the central prison of the city to serve his one-year sentence. Mr. Salehi, who claims to have lost his kidneys while in the Sanandaj intelligence detention center, was previously sentenced to nine years in prison, but reports indicate that his sentence has been reduced to one year. He had previously stated on his Facebook page that he lost his kidneys due to lack of medical care and failure to provide his medications while in the Sanandaj intelligence detention center. This issue has never been denied by the Ministry of Intelligence or judicial authorities.