Mohammad Habibi recently announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he appeared in the Shahryar Revolutionary Court. This court appearance was to defend himself against accusations brought by the Islamic regime. Habibi has been charged due to his protests against a disturbing series of poisonings that targeted school students in Iran in 2022. These incidents occurred in the wake of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement.
According to allegations, the poisonings were orchestrated by the Islamic regime as a form of retaliation against the students for their active involvement in the protests. The Woman, Life, Freedom movement had seen a substantial number of students participating, highlighting the widespread support for change among the younger generation. Habibi’s opposition to these poisonings, which many see as an attempt to silence dissent and punish the young protestors, has now put him in the crosshairs of the regime.
Habibi’s case draws attention to the ongoing struggle for justice and human rights in Iran, underlining the regime’s harsh measures against those who dare to stand against its oppressive actions. He is a very well-known Iranian teacher and a prominent board member and spokesperson for the Teacher’s Trade Union of Tehran. His activism first brought Mohammad Habibi into the public eye in 2018 when he was arrested outside the school where he taught. This arrest marked the beginning of his legal troubles with the regime, which saw his efforts as a threat to national security.
Habibi was subsequently sentenced to a lengthy prison term, reflecting the severe charges levied against him. He received a seven and a half-year sentence for “gathering and colluding against national security,” alongside an additional one and a half years for “propaganda against the state” and “disrupting public order.” His punishment did not end with incarceration; he was also sentenced to 74 lashes. Furthermore, he faced a two-year ban on traveling abroad and participating in political activities.
After serving 30 months in prison, Habibi’s sentence was reduced, leading to his release. His case highlights the severe measures the Iranian regime employs to silence dissent and the ongoing struggle faced by activists and union leaders in Iran. Habibi’s story is a testament to the resilience of those who continue to fight for their rights and the rights of others, despite facing significant personal risks and hardships.
In 2022, just before the teachers’ gathering for Teacher’s Day on May 2nd in Iran, Mohammad Habibi was brutally arrested at his home by representatives of the Islamic regime. This arrest added to his long history of clashes with the authorities. He was charged with “gathering and colluding” and “propaganda against the state,” resulting in a sentence of four years and seven months in prison. However, after serving ten months, he was released.
Habibi’s freedom was short-lived. In 2023, he was arrested again for protesting the poisoning of school students in 2022. Currently, Habibi faces charges of “propaganda against the state” once more. His case is being handled by Branch 2 of the Shahryar Revolutionary Court, and he is awaiting sentencing. His ongoing legal battles underscore the persistent and perilous fight for human rights and freedom of expression in Iran. Habibi’s unwavering stance against the regime’s oppressive actions continues to inspire many, even as he endures the regime’s relentless attempts to silence him.
In 2020, Mohammad Habibi faced a severe professional setback when he was temporarily fired from his teaching job. This punitive action came after 21 years of dedicated service in the field of education. His dismissal was a direct consequence of his steadfast support for teachers, active participation in teachers’ protests, and involvement in union activities.
Despite the temporary nature of his initial firing, the situation escalated, and Habibi was ultimately fired permanently from his position. His unwavering commitment to advocating for teachers’ rights and organizing union protests made him a target for the authorities. This move to terminate his employment underscores the risks faced by those who stand up against the regime and highlights the regime’s determination to quash any form of dissent within professional sectors. Habibi’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by activists in their fight for justice and equality in Iran.
The pressure exerted by the Islamic regime of Iran on Mohammad Habibi underscores its acute sensitivity to union activities, particularly those led by teachers. Iranian teachers have a relatively organized and systematic union, making their advocacy efforts particularly impactful. As a result, the regime has intensified its crackdown on these activities in recent years. Many teachers, like Habibi, have faced severe outcomes, including expulsion and forced early retirement.
The regime’s punitive measures extend beyond job termination. Teachers who are active in union activities often face financial penalties and imprisonment. Despite the country currently grappling with a significant shortage of teachers, the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to dismiss and suspend many teachers from their positions. This paradoxical approach highlights the regime’s prioritization of silencing dissent over addressing critical issues within the education sector. The ongoing persecution of teachers like Habibi reveals the lengths to which the regime will go to stifle organized labor and maintain control.
