Mahmoud Beheshti Langaroudi, Teachers' Union Activist, Charged Again

Mahmoud Beheshti Langaroudi, a teachers' union activist, has been charged again following the opening of a new case in Langaroud's prosecutor's office regarding allegations from four months prior for which he had been acquitted. According to HRANA reports, this experienced activist, who had previously been acquitted in the Revolutionary Court of Gilan, was once again charged with 'propaganda against the regime and spreading falsehoods' after appearing in the fourth branch of the Langaroud prosecutor's office. The Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers' Trade Unions confirmed this news, stating that Mahmoud Beheshti was released after posting bail of 100 million tomans following the charges, although no mention was made of the date of his summons. This cultural activist had previously defended himself in April 2023 against 'charges of propaganda against the regime and insulting the leadership and officials' in branch 101 of the Langaroud Criminal Court and was acquitted of the accusations. Mahmoud Beheshti, who has played an active role in teachers' protests, has faced various charges including conspiracy, propaganda activities, insulting officials, and spreading falsehoods over the years 2004, 2006, 2010, and 2015, serving multiple prison terms in different jails. As a board member of the Iranian Teachers' Trade Association, he has a total of 14 years of imprisonment in separate sentences issued by Abolqasem Salavati and Mohammad Mogheiseh in his record of union activism. Following the nationwide protests of 2022, the Islamic Republic has intensified security and judicial crackdowns against political, civil, and union activists. These actions have faced criticism from human rights organizations and the United Nations, as well as severe backlash from trade unions worldwide. The intensification of criticism follows the approval of a bill to increase retirement age and service years by the Guardian Council. The trial session for Mohammad Habibi, spokesperson for the Tehran Teachers' Trade Association, has been held. The hunger strike of Javad Soodbar continues in the intelligence detention center of Tabriz; family members are unaware of his situation. Exclusive details on the 'torture' of civil activists in the 'unofficial' detention center of the intelligence office in Tabriz.