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Alireza Sepahi Line

“Freedom of expression” is a central and fundamental principle in many international and regional human rights documents, including Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights. In the current Constitution of Iran, we also have various provisions that protect freedom of thought and expression, as well as civil and political liberties. These include the general freedom of expression in Article 23, freedom of the press in Article 24, freedom of assembly and expression of opinions in Articles 26 and 27, and the right to access information in Article 25.

On the other hand, in the Law of Political Parties and Trade Unions (approved on September 7th, 1981), the activities of various groups have been considered permissible as long as they do not violate the provisions of Article 16. The most important prohibited acts in Article 16 include communication with foreigners, violation of the country’s independence and territorial integrity, and violation of the rights of others.

I have brought this short introduction to remind us that the legislator has been aware of the necessity and guarantee of legitimate professional and civil liberties, and as citizens of a society in which these laws are in effect, we are obligated to protect and abide by their limits and essence. Through education, teaching, universities, labor, journalism, and as ordinary citizens, we all have a moral and national responsibility to uphold and enforce these laws.

Despite all the statements and emphasis, the reality is that in our country, laws are often passed, interpreted, and enforced arbitrarily. We can see an example of this in the treatment of teachers’ unions. It goes without saying that if a lawmaker or enforcer wants to put a stop to the activities of an individual or group, they can use any civil action as an excuse to end their activities. We have witnessed this exact situation with the Iranian Teachers’ Union. Unfortunately, in recent years, the elected leaders and activists of this union have always been at the forefront of being pursued and threatened by security and intelligence forces. A brief look at the list of arrests and imprisonments of members of this union is a clear indication of the reality: Ismail Abdi, Mahmoud Beheshti, Mohammad Habibi, Rouhollah Mardani, Abdolreza Qanbari, Mohammadreza Ramazanzadeh, Abbas Vahedian, and Farhad Meysami.

And dear ones like Rasoul Badaghi, Ali Akbar Baghani, Bagheri, Asadi, and Emrani who have spent time in prison and are now either in exile or…

This list only includes the names of known individuals who have been subjected to prosecution, imprisonment, harassment, and expulsion in recent years. Some of them have been threatened and unjustly punished for defending their professional rights and baseless accusations, and have silently and unjustly suffered from arbitrary punishments in different cities and narrow-mindedness of various disciplinary authorities. Although these lines do not have the qualifications and attire of a teacher, they have friends who are more or less aware of their various problems; occasional and unexpected summons and concerns about an uncertain future and deprivations that a teacher may face solely for their legitimate and lawful activities are not uncommon.

As someone who, for example, is a journalist and poet and has been exposed to small and large misunderstandings by the authorities in recent years, I can claim that I am familiar with the pains of teachers. Our pains are mostly of the same nature; having freedom of expression and job security within the framework of the laws of this country, and feeling dignity, personal identity, and equality of civil and financial rights in a land for which we have fought and paid a high price. It is sad and regrettable that we cannot expect accountability and treatment for these pains and minimal expectations. Meanwhile, in the advertising maneuvers of the country’s leaders, from top to bottom, there is a call for “feeling responsible and protesting against injustices and not allowing negligence in the implementation of laws.”

I remember that some time ago, the leader of Iran considered the fulfillment of the true mission of teachers to be in need of certain requirements and emphasized: “One of these requirements is paying attention to the issue of teachers’ livelihood. Government officials, especially economic officials, should, despite limitations, have a special focus on education and teachers and prioritize it in their agendas.”

Is the main protest of dear teachers – both imprisoned and busy – anything other than the lack of these requirements and provisions? So why in practice, what emerges is completely contrary to these statements?

With this detail, it should be asked who is the audience for professional activities and protests for civil rights, and when should one remain immune from malicious and harmful pursuits? When can one ignore imaginary enemies and speak confidently and without hesitation about legal and customary rights without fear of punishment and condemnation? Imagine that the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in a gathering of teachers, considers Hazrat Zainab as a great teacher and expects students and teachers to follow her freedom and courage as an example.

At that time, our teacher, fighter, and fellow citizen must go to prison and endure double punishment; simply because he is not willing to write a repentance letter. His rights must be cut off and his family must suffer financial and living difficulties; simply because he does not agree with us and our path. How much does this recommendation from the President of Iran align with the behavior that has been shown towards imprisoned teachers and their families in our country!

As an Iranian, I feel indebted to my dear formal and informal teachers for my basic literacy skills. It is my duty to write these few lines and emphasize that imprisoning and depriving teachers of their material and spiritual rights is not in line with the values of our beloved Iran and its conscientious and brave children (the teachers). Let us not doubt that our country and people will suffer the most from these arbitrary actions. A fearful and silent society will never witness any glorious moments. The moment of glory is when I saw and heard the painful words of Rasoul Badaghi, who said: “Since they cowardly cut off my rights, some of my colleagues have been anonymously depositing my monthly salary into my account, and I am fortunate enough to hold my head high in front of my neighbors and spouse.”

Notes:

1. Speech of the Leader of the Islamic Republic in a meeting with a group of teachers, Ayatollah Khamenei’s website, 16 Ordibehesht 1394 (May 6, 2015).

2. Speech of the President at the Commemoration Ceremony of Teachers’ Day, Presidential Information Center, 14 Ordibehesht 1394.