New Wave of Arrests of Educators and Labor Activists Ahead of 'Teachers' Day' in Iran

As the date designated by the Islamic Republic as 'Teachers' Day' approaches, reports indicate a surge in the arrests of educators and teachers. A teachers' union in Iran announced on Saturday the arrest of Mohsen Omrani, a board member of the Teachers' Union of Bushehr. The Telegram channel of the Coordinating Council of Teachers' Unions in Iran reported that government forces stormed Mohsen Omrani's home on Saturday, May 9, and arrested this labor activist. According to the union, several security forces, after searching Omrani's home 'accompanied by threats and beatings,' transferred him to an unknown location. The Telegram channel also reported on Friday, May 8, that security agents raided the home of Mohammad Habibi, spokesperson for the Teachers' Union of Tehran, arresting several teachers, labor activists, and civil activists present at the location. During this raid, government agents arrested several known labor activists, including Reyhaneh Ansarinezhad, Asal Mohammadi, Hirad Pirbadaghi, Anisha Asadollahi, Sarvnaz Ahmadi, Kamyar Fakour, Hassan Chortabi, Zahra Rouhzad, Ahmad Heydari, and Aldoz Hashimi, and transferred them to Evin Prison. It is noteworthy that Mohammad Habibi, an activist in the Iranian teachers' movement, was released from prison on February 7, 2023, after serving 10 months. He had been sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison and 74 lashes for charges of conspiracy to commit a crime against national security, propaganda against the regime, and disturbing public order. There is an increase in pressure on the families of protesters; the wife and friends of Mohammad Habibi have also been arrested. A judicial case has been opened against the Secretary-General of the Iranian Teachers' Organization. New poisonings have occurred in schools in Kermanshah, Sanandaj, and Tehran; a judicial case has been opened against protesting students. Poisoning of students in four cities; an eyewitness reported: children were not allowed to leave the school. The Teachers' Union of Gilan condemned the imprisonment of three of its members. The dismissal and appointment of three senior government officials; Raisi stated: managers do not have a blank check to stay.