Marivan, Iran – Somayeh Akhtarshomar, an experienced English teacher with a 17-year tenure in city-level schools, has been dismissed following a series of contentious allegations. The case has sparked debate and concern within the educational community.
Accusations and Administrative Proceedings
According to reports, the Administrative Offenses Committee of the province’s employees accused Somayeh Akhtarshomar of several offenses, including:
- Publishing Offensive Content: Allegedly, she spread offensive material and false news against the clerical regime.
- Membership in Online Teachers’ Union Channels: Akhtarshomar was accused of actively participating in illegal teachers’ union channels in virtual spaces.
- Provocative Content: The teacher allegedly posted provocative content in the union channels of Marivan and Sarv Abad teachers and Iranian educators.
- Designing Exam Questions Related to the 2022 Uprising in Iran: Her involvement in creating exam questions related to the 2022 Uprising in Iran was also cited.
- Supporting Kurdish Opposition Groups: Akhtarshomar faced accusations of supporting Kurdish opposition groups critical of the Iranian regime.
- Posting Pictures Without Hijab: The Marivan Department of Education accused her of sharing pictures of herself without wearing a hijab, which is a violation of the compulsory dress code.
- Pictures of Students Without Hijabs: Akhtarshomar allegedly posted images of her students without hijabs, further contributing to the accusations against her.
- Child Wearing Kurdish Clothes: Additionally, she was charged with posting pictures of her child wearing clothing associated with Kurdish opposition parties.
The Marivan Department of Education submitted these allegations to the Administrative Violations Committee. On January 13, the committee charged Somayeh Akhtarshomar, and on March 17, they decided to dismiss her from her teaching position.
Personal Background
Born in June 1987, Somayeh Akhtarshomar is married and holds a bachelor’s degree. Her case highlights the challenges faced by educators in Iran and raises questions about due process and fairness in administrative proceedings.
