Samarand Salehi is the 17 year old son of imprisoned Iranian unionist Mahmoud Salehi, and I’m sure his Dad would be very proud of him.

He’s written a very moving article (Mahmoud Salehi is unforgetable – Do not forget him!) about the difficulties for his family over the years that Mahmoud has spent in jail, as a result of his trade union activities, since Samarand was 12.

“Now, once again, he is in jail! It has already been seven months! He is spending his sentence in Sanandaj Central prison. Throughout these years, my younger brother and I have experienced the bliss and happiness of our father’s presence either in the few short minutes granted to us at our meetings with our dad in prison or the few rare moments we have got good news of his health.

We have always had our mother’s console and encouragement. As an activist, she has always encouraged us not to lose hope, have confidence in our future and bear the heavy weight of our father’s absence! Our mother has spent a good part of her life struggling either to set her husband free or to get at least some news about her partner, the father of her children. As Mahmoud Salehi’s children, we know the truth about why our dad is in prison! And along with millions of workers around the world who have declared their solidarity with him, we are proud of him and wish him great success! We know that our father does not only belong to his family members, but to all those who are fighting for undeniable rights of all workers. Nevertheless, we have serious concerns about the painful conditions he is living in.”

…read the rest of the article here

Along with Reza Deehghan, Mansour Osanloo, Ebrahim Madadi and many others, Salehi is locked away in a place the Iranian government no doubt think will keep him out of sight and out of mind. But with families and colleagues as brave as this, that won’t be happening.