National Wave of Schoolgirl Poisonings Tortures Iran

A series of chemical attacks against girls' schools were reported in at least a dozen cities across Iran on Monday.

Reports and videos on social media reveal that students were poisoned at schools in Isfahan, Sanandaj, Ravansar, Saqqez, Bukan, Diwandrareh, Urmia, Gilangharb, Tabriz, Dezful, and Mahdasht.

Since November 2022, more than 13,000 students have suffered symptoms including nausea, fainting, headaches, coughing, breathing difficulties and heart palpitations, with many requiring treatments in hospital.

The poisonings have sparked fear and anger among schoolgirls, their parents and wider Iranian society.

In response to the chemical attack on Tabriz Asman girls' high school Monday, the families of students gathered outside the building, according to reports.

Videos from the city of Sanandaj also show students being taken to hospital, as frantic parents sought help and worried families waited outside.

Widespread poisonings were also recorded in at least nine cities on Sunday including schools in Tehran, Islamshahr, Karaj, Ardabil, Urmia, Qazvin, Babolsar, Hersin, and Shiraz.

The attacks prompted calls for increased security measures at schools across the country, with several principals reportedly asking parents to keep their children at home.

After Iranian authorities announced arrests over the poisonings last month, UN experts criticized the Islamic Republic for failing to protect the schoolgirls, prevent further attacks and conduct swift investigations.

The experts said the attacks might be “orchestrated to punish girls” for their involvement in nationwide protests sparked by the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.