The Appellate Court of Ahwaz on Sunday, December 7, 2025, acquitted four teachers’ union activists—Ali Kroshat, Siamak Sadeghi Chehrazi, Kokab Bedaghi Pegah, and Pirouz Nami—of all charges brought against them.

Previously, in a joint case at the Ahwaz Revolutionary Court, these individuals had been collectively sentenced to 24 years in prison. However, Branch 20 of the Appellate Court, after reviewing the case, invoked the principle of presumption of innocence, noted the lack of criminal intent, and identified the absence of conclusive evidence, ultimately overturning the original verdict and issuing a final acquittal.

The initial charges against the teachers included “spreading lies, propaganda against the state, membership in groups against national security, inciting and provoking public unrest, and conspiracy against internal and external security.” The appellate court emphasized that their participation in labor gatherings fell under the right to peaceful protest, and dismissed all charges accordingly.

Previously, Kokab Bedaghi Pegah had been released on bail in October 2024 after being formally charged at Branch 13 of the Ahwaz Prosecutor’s Office, while Siamak Sadeghi Chehrazi, Pirouz Nami, and Ali Kroshat had prior experiences with judicial harassment due to their union activities.