Hashem Khastar faces new legal charges while imprisoned in Iran

Hashem Khastar, a 75-year-old retired teacher and labor activist, remains imprisoned at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. Having spent 16 years in prison and exile since 2004, Khastar is facing renewed legal pressure from security agencies.

Reports indicate that authorities have opened a new case against him while he is already serving a sentence. This maneuver is viewed as an attempt to prevent his release upon the completion of his current term. In a previous 2023 trial held via videoconference without legal counsel, Khastar faced charges of propaganda against the regime and insulting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, stemming from the sending of letters and voice messages from prison.

Khastar has maintained that remaining silent to secure freedom or furlough would constitute a betrayal. Security services have reportedly imposed strict censorship on his case, including restricting telephone calls, limiting family visits, and blocking the publication of his writings to isolate him from the public.