Khuzestan teachers face prison, dismissal, and prolonged detention over union activism
Hengaw - Monday, June 22, 2026
Iranian authorities have sentenced teacher and labor rights activist Koukab Bodaghi Pegah to prison, dismissed experienced educator Forough Khosravi from her profession, and continue to hold teacher and union activist Siamak Sadeqi Chehrazi in prolonged detention, prompting condemnation from the Teachers’ Trade Association of Khuzestan.
The Teachers’ Trade Association of Khuzestan has condemned a new wave of judicial and security measures targeting educators in Khuzestan Province, citing the cases of three prominent teachers who have faced severe repercussions for their peaceful labor activism.
According to information received by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Koukab Bodaghi Pegah, Forough Khosravi, and Siamak Sadeqi Chehrazi have all been subjected to punitive measures linked to their union and labor rights activities.
Koukab Bodaghi Pegah, a Lor teacher from Izeh, a history educator and prominent member of the Khuzestan Teachers’ Trade Association, was recently sentenced by Branch One of the Izeh Revolutionary Court to one year in prison on the fabricated charge of “propaganda against the state.” The sentence was issued in connection with her advocacy for the rights of teachers and students.
Meanwhile, Dr. Forough Khosravi, a Lor teacher from Behbahan and an experienced educator, has been dismissed from the Ministry of Education and permanently barred from teaching because of her critical views and union-related activities.
Siamak Sadeqi Chehrazi, a teacher and labor activist from Ahvaz, has remained in detention for more than three months since his arrest by security agencies. Despite ongoing inquiries, he continues to be held without clarification regarding his legal status.
In its statement, the Teachers’ Trade Association of Khuzestan emphasized that all three educators had pursued their activities through peaceful and lawful means, advocating for labor rights, free and quality education, and an end to discrimination. The association described the measures taken against them as a clear violation of freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to pursue civil and professional demands, warning that blocking lawful forms of protest and collective action will only deepen social divisions and contribute to broader social crises.
