Statement from Three Imprisoned Teachers: 'Reprimands, Discrimination, and Imprisonment' Will Not Hinder Advocacy

Three imprisoned teachers, on the occasion of International Workers' Day and Teachers' Day, stated that 'reprimands, discrimination, and imprisonment' will not block any 'path of advocacy.' Mahmoud Sediqipour, Anoush Adeli, and Aziz Qasemzadeh, in a statement from the Mihtaq prison in Lakan, Rasht, which was sent to 'Voice of America,' declared that these days are 'symbolic days' for 'unity and solidarity' among workers and teachers and 'insistence on current advocacy.' The statement continues: 'We imprisoned teachers continue to emphasize our 'professional demands and teacher advocacy' and have a 'firm belief' in achieving 'a better world and a just Iran,' asserting that fulfilling these demands will bring 'public good.' These three imprisoned teachers are members of the 'Board of Directors of the Gilan Teachers' Trade Association,' whose one-year prison sentence for 'propaganda against the regime' was confirmed and executed by Branch 18 of the Gilan Court of Appeals in Bahman 1401. This joint statement from Lakan prison emphasizes that 'reprimands, discrimination, and imprisonment' will not 'block any path of advocacy' but will rather 'assist' in the process of advocacy to achieve rightful and legal demands. According to the Coordination Council of Teachers' Trade Associations, these three imprisoned teachers were subjected to 'beating' and 'insult' during their arrest in Khordad 1401, and their complaints against the Islamic Republic's Information and Security Police have never reached a conclusion. A new wave of arrests of teachers and trade activists is occurring ahead of 'Teachers' Day' in Iran, with increased pressure on the families of protesters; the wife and friends of Mohammad Habibi have also been arrested, and a judicial case has been formed against the Secretary-General of the Iranian Teachers' Organization.