Several Months of Uncertainty for Imprisoned Teacher in Evin Prison; Ismail Abdi in Poor Physical Condition
The wife of an imprisoned teacher in Iran says her husband has been in limbo in Evin Prison since Khordad month, and his physical condition is also not favorable.
The wife of Ismail Abdi, a teachers’ union activist, said that the defense lawyer of this imprisoned teacher, while protesting the rejection of a request for retrial of the 1389 case file, has requested the application of legal article 477 to Abdi’s 10-year prison sentence. According to this legal article, the 10-year prison sentence of this imprisoned teacher would be considered illegitimate.
Manirah Abdi, the wife of Ismail Abdi, a teachers’ union activist, while describing the physical condition of this imprisoned teacher as unfavorable, told Voice of America: “The case currently against Mr. Abdi in the judicial system relates to 10 years ago and his detention by IRGC Intelligence in Ordibehesht 1389. Over the past years, judicial authorities have repeatedly told previous lawyers and also Hossein Taj, the current defense lawyer of this imprisoned teacher, that this case is closed; however, this sentence was confirmed by the rejection of the appeal by the Supreme Court, and Ismail Abdi has been in limbo in Evin Prison since Khordad month.”
Ms. Abdi said that while this sentence was issued against this imprisoned teacher on charges of “propaganda against the system” and “disclosure of security information,” judicial authorities had not given any warning during the 6-year period of Mr. Abdi’s conviction until June 27, 1399 regarding the enforcement of this sentence. She says this is an unacceptable ruling that was issued solely in connection with his union activities.
The wife of Ismail Abdi said: “These two charges are completely illegitimate both in terms of the constitution and the Islamic Penal Code. We, as a family, object to this ruling. We are upset about this situation and are waiting for the Supreme Court’s decision.”
Manirah Abdi, regarding the health condition of this teachers’ union activist, also told Voice of America: “Mr. Abdi contracted COVID once in prison, and since he suffers from asthma and high blood pressure, he suffered during that period. Mr. Abdi’s body has been weakened due to two hunger strikes he had previously, and after contracting COVID, he was hospitalized in the prison clinic for nearly three weeks.”
Voice of America reported in late Mordad month that Ismail Abdi, along with several other political prisoners including Amirsalar Davudi, a lawyer, Jafar Azimzadeh, a labor activist, Majid Azarpey, Mohammad Ali Masibzadeh, and Mohsen Ghanbari, contracted COVID-19.
The wife of this imprisoned teacher says that in a phone call, Ismail Abdi told her that he has been experiencing pain in the left side of his body for some time, and the prison clinic only took an ECG from him and prescribed some medications for him; however, “this pain continues to accompany Mr. Abdi.”
According to Ms. Abdi, prison conditions are not hygienic, sanitary facilities are not provided to prisoners, and contrary to Islamic Republic Television propaganda, alcohol and sanitary supplies are not provided to prisoners, and “prisoners must buy sanitary supplies including masks and alcohol at their own personal expense.”
Manirah Abdi also said that despite their repeated appeals to the prison prosecutor’s office and the prosecutor for Mr. Abdi’s leave, their request was not granted.
The wife of this teachers’ union activist, in response to the confirmation of Ismail Abdi’s 10-year prison sentence, told Voice of America: “Mr. Abdi’s activities have been peaceful. By imprisoning a union activist and reopening a closed case file from 10 years ago, judicial authorities only want to create fear among other activists and prevent union activities.”
Ismail Abdi, who on June 27, 1394, as a representative of the Coordination Council of Teachers’ Professional Associations across the country intended to travel to Canada to participate in the World Teachers’ Assembly, was arrested, and in the first instance court in Bahman of that year was sentenced to 6 years in prison, and the sentence issued by branch 36 of Tehran’s appeals court was upheld; this sentence ended on June 27, 1399, but nevertheless he remains in Evin Prison due to the rejection of his appeal by the Supreme Court against the 10-year prison sentence that was issued due to his union activities.
