Iran Arrests Physics Teacher for Union Activity.

Photo Credit: Radio Zamaneh

Iranian authorities arrested Mahmoud Bagheri Monday to serve out a suspended jail sentence in connection with his criticisms of the government as a leader in the Iranian Teachers Union. In a letter to Ayatollah Larijani, the Teachers Union called for Bagheri ‘s  release and expressed shock and confusion as to why Bagheri’s suspended nine and a half year sentence is now being enforced. Bagheri is a physics teacher, war veteran, and member of the union’s executive board, and has previously served time for protesting outside of parliament.

Also, jailed human rights activist Nargess Mohammadi has been held incommunicado since her hospitalization 11 days ago, according to her husband. Officials have made no efforts to contact the family regarding her injuries nor allow for a visit from her husband and two children. Mohammadi’s husband has only heard rumors that his wife was involved in a fight with other inmates, and suspects her condition must be critical. Mohammadi is serving a six year prison sentence in connection with her work for the group Defenders of Human Rights in Iran.

Additionally, morality police are reportedly doubling down this summer on the enforcement of proper women’s dress, calling it imperative to national security. Already this summer, 87 restaurants, 53 coffee shops, and various concerts and fairs in Tehran have been shuttered due to improper female dress. Resentment, however, is reportedly growing among urban Iranians already suffering under biting sanctions.