The General Secretary of the Iranian Teachers’ Trade Association, Mohammad Taqi Fallahian was arrested at home by intelligence forces of the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Saturday, February 8, 2020. The news was announced in a statement by the Iranian Teachers’ Trade Association.
The Iranian Teachers’ Trade Association (ITTA)protested this method of bringing double pressure on teachers and activist teacher, calling for immediate and unconditional release of Mohammad Taqi Fallahian.
The ITTA also expressed support for incarcerated teachers, including Mahmoud Beheshti Langroudi, Mohammad Habibi and Esmail Abdi, calling their verdicts as unjust and oppressive.
“This is not the first time that members of the Teachers’ Trade Association encounter suppression, but as in the past, they will get through this ordeal proud and triumphant while enjoying the support of other teachers and the honorable people and students of Iran,” the statement said.
The ITTA is an independent association which campaigns for better work conditions, higher salaries, and improvement of schools in Iran.
The IRGC told Mr. Fallahian’s family to stay silent and do not talk to the media.
Mohammad Taqi Fallahian had been arrested on May 1 for participating in a labor day protest outside parliament, demanding higher salaries. He was released six days later on bail, after receiving a suspended eight-month prison sentence and ten lashes.
Teachers’ salaries in Iran are among the lowest, close to the minimum wage. This while expenses for food and other basic necessities for a family of four is around $660 per month.
