International Education Organization Calls for Release of Imprisoned Teachers in Iran
The International Education Organization issued a statement condemning the detention of Mohammad Habibis, a labor activist and board member of the Tehran Teachers’ Professional Association, Esmail Abdi, a teachers’ labor activist, and other imprisoned teachers, and called for their release.
The world’s largest teachers’ union, in a statement issued on Tuesday, June 5th, addressed to Hassan Rouhani, condemned the behavior of prison officials toward imprisoned teachers, including Mr. Habibis, and stated: “In the event of any incident befalling Mr. Habibis and other imprisoned teachers, we hold all relevant officials responsible for this matter.”
The organization called on all activists, organizations, unions, and particularly the teaching profession to use all their resources to condemn the treatment of imprisoned teachers in Iran and to demand their unconditional release.
The International Education Organization also stated that the people’s struggle for freedom and equality in Iran is permanent and endless, and Iranian teachers, workers, and the Iranian people are currently demanding the broadest possible response from international groups.
Mohammad Habibis, a board member of the Tehran Teachers’ Professional Association, along with several teachers and retired educators, participated on February 10th during Teachers’ Week in a gathering in front of the Budget and Planning Organization.
Sixteen participants in the gathering, including Mohammad Habibis, were detained, but shortly afterward all those detained except Mr. Habibis were released on bail.
About two weeks ago, Hossein Taj, Mr. Habibis’ lawyer, stated that not providing time for his client’s bail and the treatment of prison officials and authorities toward this prisoner was unprecedented.
He explained that Mohammad Habibis’ wife, who had gone to the security prosecutor’s office, coincidentally encountered Mr. Habibis and saw him barefoot and in torn clothes, still showing signs of beating and injury on his face.
Source: Voice of America
