Iranian Teachers' Union: Activist Esmail Abdi Taken Hostage

The Coordination Council of Iranian Teachers' Trade Associations raised concerns over the ‘illegal’ detention of prominent teacher activist Esmail Abdi.

The council accused the security institutions, particularly the interrogators, of holding Abdi "hostage" with extra-legal interference, sparking outcry from educators and human rights advocates.

Esmail Abdi is currently celebrating his birthday in prison, despite the fact that, according to the law, he should have been released approximately 10 months ago.

The former leader of the Tehran Teachers Association was arrested in 2015 and subsequently sentenced to six years in prison by court order. However, before the completion of his sentence, a previous case of a 10-year suspended sentence was unexpectedly implemented, leading to ongoing uncertainty and concern about the fairness of the legal process.

The situation surrounding Abdi's continued detention has garnered international attention and prompted the Iranian Teachers' Association to express hope for his prompt release, hailing him as a "hero of resistance."

The charges against Abdi involve "collusion against national security," a common accusation used against activists and dissenting voices in Iran. His case is not isolated, as a court case has been filed against numerous teachers in recent months, according to trade unions. Many activists have reportedly been subjected to court orders, allegedly orchestrated by security institutions with the cooperation of radio and television networks, leading to further imprisonment and harassment.