Prominent Iranian teachers' union activist Abolfazl Khoran has been handed a severe sentence by the Islamic Revolutionary Court for "disrupting public order" as the government continues to tightening its grip on dissent and the labor movement.
The Iranian Teachers' Union's Coordination Council revealed on September 7 that Khoran, who was being tried in a joint case with several other activists, received a sentence of six years and eight months in prison, 72 lashes, a two-year ban from using social media platforms, and two years of exile to the remote city of Delfan.
Khoran and the others were detained after they attended a memorial ceremony for Mehrshad Shahidi, who was killed by government forces during the nationwide protests last year in Arak.
Khoran's arrest on August 5 by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' intelligence arm led to him being detained for 26 days. He was subsequently released on bail of 10 billion Iranian rial ($20,000).
The sentence comes amid a backdrop of escalating tensions between the Iranian government and various activist groups.
The Iranian Teachers' Union's Coordination Council, in a statement condemning the verdict, called on authorities to heed public demands on fixing the country's core issues.
"This is the genuine solution. Heavy-handed verdicts and intimidation tactics won't stifle the growing wave of public dissent," the council said.
For years, the Iranian educational sector has grappled with mounting economic and security challenges. This environment has seen numerous teachers' union activists face arrests, imprisonment, and even exile, highlighting the regime's intent to stifle any form of opposition.
Unrest, including several protests by teachers, has rattled Iran since last summer in response to declining living standards, wage arrears, and a lack of welfare support. Labor law in Iran does not recognize the right of workers to form independent unions.
The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody in September 2022 for allegedly wearing a head scarf improperly further ignited the protest movement, which officials across the country have tried to extinguish with harsh -- and sometimes deadly -- measures.
Thousands have been arrested in the clampdown, with the judiciary handing down harsh sentences -- including the death penalty -- to protesters.