HRANA: at least 47 teachers in Iran imprisoned, detained or exiled

The human rights news agency HRANA reported on Monday, 5 October 2026, coinciding with World Teachers' Day, that at least 47 serving and retired teachers in Iran are imprisoned, detained or in internal exile.

According to the report, published by Iran International, 13 teachers are serving prison sentences, 32 are in detention and two are in internal exile. The teachers are spread across 19 of the country's provinces, with Razavi Khorasan having the highest number at eight, followed by Fars and Khuzestan with five each and North Khorasan with four.

From flogging to a death sentence

HRANA says detained and imprisoned teachers have faced heavy sentences, including long prison terms, flogging, fines, internal exile, travel bans and dismissal from the education system. According to the organisation, two death sentences have also been issued for one of the imprisoned teachers. HRANA also stressed that the legal status of many of the detained teachers is unclear, and that nothing is known about where they are held or what they are charged with.

The report comes as the Islamic Republic has increased pressure on teachers, students and trade union activists since the January uprising. A few days ago, Farzaneh Kamkar, a teacher, was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of giving three face masks to protesters during the January uprising. At the same time, reports point to a wave of teachers and nurses quitting their jobs because of inadequate pay.

According to HRANA, 47 teachers in 19 Iranian provinces are in prison, detention or internal exile.

Sources

• Iran International
• Payam Javan