Ei-iE

Education International
Education International

Iran: Farzad Kamangar still at risk of being executed

published 15 December 2009 updated 4 March 2022
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Jafar Ebrahimi, the teacher trade unionist that was held in jail simply for trying to organise a union meeting, was freed on bail in December. However, EI remains concerned about the continued detention of Farzad Kamangar, Rasoul Bodaghi and Hashem Khastar. EI addressed a letter to the Supreme Leader Ali Khamanei and the Head of the Judiciary to suspend the execution of Kamangar and to allow for international delegations to visit him in prison and to observe his upcoming court case.

Farzad Kamangar, who is accused of acting against the security of the country, remains in Evin Prison, despite what his lawyer says is a total lack of evidence against him. His proceedings will be sent to the Supreme Court for final judgment. Kamangar's physical and psychological conditions have improved. Although he suffers from being imprisoned, he is doing his best to study and master international law.

Rasoul Bodaghi, for his part, is still in detention in Evin Prison; however, EI’s affiliate in Iran, the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teacher Associations, has expressed hope that he will be freed very soon. His lawyer Khalil Bahramian says his legal dossier has been sent to the public prosecutor for judgment.

Hashem Khastar, a retired teacher and a trade union activist, has been condemned to two years imprisonment for acting against the security of the country and is still in Wakilabad prison in Mashhad. Khastar is suffering from a kidney disease and has not been allowed to receive medical treatment.

EI continues to monitor the situation of teachers in Iran closely.