Iranian Teacher and Activist Summoned on Propaganda Charges

A prominent teacher and union activist in Iran has been summoned by authorities on charges of "propaganda against the Islamic Republic."

Sara Siahpour, a teacher from Alborz province, was called to the 21st Branch of the Karaj Revolutionary Prosecutor's Office on Tuesday.

This latest development on Tuesday adds to a series of legal and professional challenges Siahpour has faced in recent years.

Siahpour's troubles with authorities date back to 2017 when she was first summoned following complaints from the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Despite initial cases against her being closed in 2019, she has faced ongoing legal scrutiny.

In December 2023, Siahpour was sentenced to six years in prison by the Revolutionary Court of Tehran Province.

The charges against her included "collusion" against national security and propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic.

This verdict was upheld by the Court of Appeal in March. A subsequent request for a retrial was rejected by the Supreme Court.

Further pressure on Siahpour was created by blocking her bank accounts and disconnecting her personal mobile phone in early 2024.

Notably, she has also been dismissed from her teaching position, which she proudly referred to as an "order of honor" on her Instagram page.

The dismissal cited various reasons, including her union activities, participation in teacher gatherings, publishing photos without hijab, and supporting the Woman, Life, Freedom movement.