human rights defender
Hashem Khastar
Actions and Campaigns
HRD's year of birth
1953
HRD's Gender
Man
Type of HRD
- Social and community leader
HRD's thematic area of engagement
- Civil and political rights
Current Status
In prison (sentenced)
HRD's bio and work
Hashem Khastar, a retired teacher and Iranian human rights activist, is recognized as a prominent figure in the teachers' union movement due to his advocacy for the rights of teachers and workers. He has been repeatedly arrested and imprisoned for his peaceful protests and union activities. As a member of the Mashhad Teachers' Association, Khastar has been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for criticizing the Iranian government's policies. He remains an active defender of teachers' rights and civil liberties and is known as a vocal critic of political repression in Iran.
Detained since
Nov 8, 2019
Charge(s)
- Anti-government propaganda
- Other
Sentence
18 years and 6 months of imprisonment
Latitude: 36.33897989378956
Longitude: 59.49015211534547
Geolocation of detention
Country or area of detention
Region of detention
- Asia: Southern Asia
Location of detention - City/Town
Mashhad
Location of detention - Facility
Mashhad, Vakilabad Prison of Mashhad
Recent case update / evolution
Mr. Khastar was sentenced by Branch 4 of the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad, presided over by Judge Mansouri, to 16 years of imprisonment, 3 years of exile to Nikshahr, and a 3-year ban on leaving the country. His sentence was later upheld by Branch 35 of the Khorasan Razavi Court of Appeals, adjusting it to 16 years of imprisonment, 2 years of exile to Nikshahr, and a 2-year travel ban. Additionally, regarding a case opened against him during his imprisonment, Mr. Khastar was sentenced to two years and six months of imprisonment by the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad.
Hashem Khastar is currently serving his sixth year in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. During this time, he has not been granted any temporary leave.
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