Iran sentences retired teacher and union activist Mohammad-Hassan Davoudi to over three years in prison

Hengaw – Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Iranian authorities have sentenced retired teacher and trade union activist Mohammad-Hassan Davoudi to three years and four months in prison in Miandoab. Davoudi has previously faced several arrests and prison terms over his professional and civic activities.

According to information received by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Davoudi, 60, from Mahabad and a member of the Coordinating Council of Iranian Teachers’ Trade Associations as well as a former political prisoner, was convicted by Branch 103 of the Second Criminal Court in Miandoab, presided over by Judge Amin Valaei. He was charged with “membership in the central council of the Freedom Movement of Iran” and “propaganda against the state on social media.” The verdict was issued on 1 November 2025 and later communicated to his lawyer.

Under the ruling, Davoudi received 32 months and 16 days in prison for “membership in the Freedom Movement of Iran” and seven months and 16 days for “propaganda against the state,” with the heavier sentence to be enforced. His activity on his personal Instagram account was cited as key evidence.

Davoudi was previously arrested on 27 October 2022 during the Woman, Life, Freedom (Jin, Jiyan, Azadi) uprising in Miandoab and released on heavy bail after nearly two months in detention at the Ministry of Intelligence facility. He had also been arrested during teachers’ protests in 2005, 2007 and 2013, repeatedly summoned by security agencies, and subjected to administrative and security pressure, leading to his compulsory retirement.