The Iranian regime faces criticism for not handling the wave of school poisonings that have affected 505 schools in 109 cities throughout Iran since November 30. Despite the involvement of intelligence agencies and various committees, no official report has been published yet, leaving the public in the dark.
On Wednesday, April 12, at least 27 schools in Karaj, Isfahan, Tabriz, Shahin Shahr, Bandar Genaveh, Kamyaran, Shahriar, Oshnavieh, Urmia, Borujerd, Marivan, Parsabad, Moghan, and Kermanshah were targeted by criminal chemical attacks, adding to the public’s fear and concern.
On Tuesday morning, April 11, some students of the 13 Aban dormitory suffered poisoning symptoms. However, the General Administration of Tehran University Dormitory Affairs claimed: “These symptoms are only due to the painting of the street.”
Shayesteh Mohammadi, the deputy to the principal at the Fahmideh Elementary School in Kamyaran, was badly poisoned because she did not immediately leave the building as she was helping the little girls leave first. She is presently hospitalized in the ICU at Sina Hospital in Kamyaran. Fahmideh Elementary School was among the targets of chemical attacks on Tuesday, April 11.
Local press criticize officials
The Iranian Judiciary has instructed officials to use the term “feeling bad” instead of “poisoning” in their remarks and reports, further adding to the confusion. (The state-run Mizan news agency, April 11, 2023)
The state-run Etemad Daily wrote on April 11 that while the incident has arrested over a hundred people, including several journalists and cyberspace activists, almost none of the authorities that have commented on the incident can publish a report acceptable to the public. Various theories have been suggested to explain the cause of the poisoning, including using the chemical compound aluminum phosphide. Some reports have mentioned a smell like rotten fish, while others have recorded poisoning symptoms without any specific odor.
Etemad added that the keyword “chemical attack” has been frequently used in reports, with some even alleging terrorism as a possible motive. The lack of official information has led to various conflicting narratives, with some blaming the government, intelligence agencies, and religious extremist groups.
Another state-run newspaper, Ettelaat, suggested that powerful hands may be behind the conspiracy and damage, making it challenging to untie the knot of its secrets. Some officials have blamed mischievous students for the incidents, but the public is asking why these issues are not happening in boys’ schools where there is more playfulness and mischief.
