The Revolutionary Court of Najafabad Sentences a Retired Teacher to 11 Years in Prison

Branch 102 of the Revolutionary Court in Najafabad sentenced Iraj Tobihaei Najafabadi, a retired teacher and a teachers' union activist from Isfahan, to 11 years in prison, a monetary fine, and exile. According to the Telegram channel of the 'Teachers' Union Council of Iran' on May 15, the issued sentences were communicated solely through the lawyer and not via the judicial system or paper notification. The charges against this retired teacher include 'insulting the leadership', 'propaganda against the regime', 'participation in illegal gatherings, particularly in teachers' gatherings and inciting teachers', 'spreading falsehoods through telecommunications systems', and 'insulting officials'. Meanwhile, 230 political and social activists issued a statement on May 15 describing the continuation of protests by various groups, including academics and especially teachers, as 'manifestations of civil activism' and a hopeful sign for today's Iran. In addition to the 11 years of imprisonment, the Revolutionary Court of Najafabad sentenced Iraj Tobihaei Najafabadi to pay a fine of 15 million tomans and two years of exile to the village of Dehsalm in the city of Nehbandan, South Khorasan province. This member of the Najafabad Teachers' Union was arrested by the IRGC intelligence on October 12, 2023, and was released on bail until the court date. The Coordinating Council of Teachers' Unions of Iran announced in a resolution on May 13 that security forces and the judiciary are 'suppressing and threatening demanding teachers instead of combating embezzlers and corrupt individuals, sentencing them to exile, dismissal, and imprisonment.' The expansion of protest gatherings coincides with increasing pressures; at least 19 gatherings were held on May 13, with teachers protesting in at least 10 cities in Iran despite threats and government promises.