Iran: Following the discovery of mysterious poisonings that impacted more than 5,000 students starting in November of last year, Iran revealed on Tuesday that its intelligence agencies had begun making the first arrests. This comes a day after Iran’s Supreme leader. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urged for the perpetrators of the “unforgivable act” to be tracked out “without mercy”.
Suspects Detained in Six Regions for Producing Dangerous Chemicals
According to a statement from the interior ministry, “a number of persons,” including the parent of a student, were detained in six regions on suspicion of producing dangerous chemicals. According to a report, Iran’s deputy interior minister, Majid Mirahmadi, told state television that the intelligence agencies made multiple arrests, “and the competent agencies are conducting a complete investigation”.
Poisonings Spread to 25 of Iran’s 31 Provinces Since November 2022
Starting in November in the revered Shi’ite Muslim city of Qom, the poisonings quickly spread to 25 of Iran’s 31 provinces. It started a month after there were widespread demonstrations in response to the passing of Mahsa Amini, who passed away while being held by police for wearing a hijab against the law. Pupils who have reported “unpleasant” odours on school grounds have experienced shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness.
Parent Suspected of Using Child to Bring “Irritant” into School
According to Mohammad-Hassan Asafari, a member of the parliamentary fact-finding committee, more than 5,000 schoolboys and girls were poisoned, and about 230 schools were impacted. According to a statement from the interior ministry, one of those detained used their child to bring the “irritant” into the school. They then recorded sick students to give to “hostile media” in an effort to “spread terror… and close schools,” the statement added. The ministry also stated that three of the suspects were arrested had criminal histories that included “participation in the recent disturbances,” a reference to the demonstrations that were started as a result of Mahsa Amini’s passing.
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Concerns Raised About Attempt to Shut Down Girls’ Schools in Iran
The interior ministry had earlier on Monday stated that none of the pupils who had been taken to medical facilities had, as of yet, been exposed to any harmful or dangerous substances. Less than 5% of the students who were taken to hospitals had irritating compounds present, it was claimed. Saeed Karimi, the deputy health minister, noted that the irritants that are inhaled may not always be gases but instead take the shape of powder, paste, or even liquids that, when heated or poured over a heater, might cause issues. Many people are concerned about the attacks and think they are an intentional attempt to shut down girls’ schools. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, there has never been a problem with girls’ education.
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