Release of Akbar Tabari and Continued Imprisonment of Ismail Abdi; Cultural Organizations Protest Dual Treatment

Simultaneously with the issuance of prison sentences for eight teacher activists in Fars province, Iranian cultural organizations criticized the judiciary's dual treatment of teachers on one hand and government affiliates on the other. On Thursday, July 8, the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers' Trade Unions compared the release of Akbar Tabari, accused of financial corruption, with the continued imprisonment of Ismail Abdi, a jailed teacher, questioning whether judicial laws recognize insiders and outsiders, or if in this country some citizens are more equal than others. The release of Akbar Tabari, former deputy of the judiciary, who was sentenced to 58 years in prison for charges including bribery, has faced widespread criticism from social media users. Meanwhile, Ismail Abdi, a former board member of the Iranian Teachers' Trade Union, has been enduring over eight years in prison and remains in Kachoui prison in Karaj. The Iranian Teachers' Trade Union deemed the judiciary's behavior as a manifestation of injustice, asking, 'Where in the world is this oppression and injustice prevalent?' Concurrently with the news of Akbar Tabari's release ordered by judicial authorities, the Fars Teachers' Union condemned the 34-year prison sentences issued for eight activist teachers in the province. This union stated that the eight teachers were convicted of 'colluding against the regime' for participating in legal gatherings of teachers. The Fars Teachers' Union described the issued sentences as 'unjust' and lacking 'legal and judicial backing,' demanding the acquittal of these eight teachers and activists. On Wednesday, July 7, the newspaper Shargh reported on the heavy sentences against teachers, mentioning a math teacher in Shiraz, Mojgan Bagheri, who was sentenced to five years in prison in addition to being deprived of ranking rights due to her union activities. The report also addressed the punitive and reprimanding actions of the government against teacher activists in the form of buyouts, retirement, suspension, and dismissal. Teachers and cultural activists have faced increasing pressures over the years due to their pursuit of professional and livelihood demands, including arrests, imprisonment, and deprivation of rights and benefits. Previously, the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers' Trade Unions emphasized that coercive actions and the policy of 'victory through fear' have never been able to divert activists from pursuing their legal demands. A statement from a judiciary official became controversial; insiders are neither granted leave nor in prison. The release of Mehdi Hashemi, Akbar Tabari, and Mohammad Ali Najafi; Shahram Jazayeri and Babak Zanjani remain in prison. Educators are in turmoil, and the Minister of Education is on a pilgrimage. Prison sentences for educators in Fars province; a court session for 11 teacher activists in Khuzestan was held. The Teachers' Union stated that the appointment of Morad Sahraei is a 'mockery' to teachers and students.