Protests break out over suspected poisoning of schoolgirls in Iran

There have been several cases of suspected poisoning attacks targeting Iranian schoolgirls in various provinces, with the latest spate occurring in Hamedan, Zanjan, West Azerbaijan, Fars, and Alborz provinces. The suspected poisoning of schoolgirls in Iran have led to dozens of schoolgirls being hospitalised, but all are said to be in generally good condition.

Over the past three months, hundreds of cases of respiratory distress have been reported among schoolgirls, mainly in Qom.

Is there going to be an investigation into the suspected poisoning of schoolgirls in Iran?

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has ordered the ministers of intelligence and interior to investigate the incidents, which he has dubbed “the enemy’s conspiracy to create fear and despair in the people.” The Deputy Health Minister has suggested that the poisonings are aimed at shutting down education for girls.

Protests have broken out in Tehran, with parents gathering outside an education ministry building to demonstrate against the government over the suspected poisoning of schoolgirls in Iran. There are conflicting opinions about who might be responsible for the attacks, with some politicians suggesting that hardliner Islamist groups opposed to girls’ education may be behind them. The United Nations human rights office in Geneva has called for a transparent investigation, and several countries, including Germany and the US, have expressed concern.

International response

The series of suspected poisoning attacks targeting Iranian schoolgirls has sparked outrage and concern both domestically and internationally. The Iranian government has been criticized for its handling of the situation, with some accusing it of not doing enough to protect the girls and investigate the incidents. The protests that have erupted in response to the poisonings highlight the broader social and political tensions in the country, including ongoing protests over the death of Mahsa Amini and restrictions on women’s rights.

The motives behind the attacks are unclear, and there are conflicting opinions about who might be responsible. While the Iranian government has blamed “enemies” of the country for the poisonings, some politicians have suggested that hardline Islamist groups opposed to girls’ education may be behind them. Others have raised concerns about environmental pollution, as the affected schools are located near industrial areas.

The suspected poisonings have also raised questions about the state of healthcare in Iran and the availability of medical resources to treat the affected girls. Some reports suggest that hospitals in the affected provinces have been overwhelmed by the number of patients, with some parents reportedly having to take their children to private clinics due to long waiting times at public hospitals.

The international community has called for a transparent investigation into the incidents, with the United Nations human rights office in Geneva expressing concern and several countries, including Germany and the US, voicing support for the affected girls and their families. The situation is still developing, and it remains to be seen how the Iranian government will respond and whether further protests and unrest will ensue.

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