Medics, teacher, parents accuse Iran government of silencing victims of suspected poisoning attacks

CNN -March 6th 2023

Iran has experienced a spike in suspected poisoning attacks at girls’ schools across the country in recent days, according to state and semi-official media, as medical staff and teachers accused government officials of attempting to silence the victims.

Iran has seen a wave of suspected poisoning attacks, almost entirely at girls’ schools, since late November. The so-far unexplained illnesses have affected hundreds of schoolgirls, with many hospitalized.

Saturday is believed to be the worst day yet, with incidents reported at dozens of schools. Social media video showed schoolgirls being escorted to ambulances and using oxygen canisters at locations across the country. CNN was able to verify dozens of these new incidents, using video and witness testimony, across 10 provinces.

On Monday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called the suspected poisonings an “unforgivable crime,” calling for “severe punishment” for anyone found responsible. As of last Wednesday, no one had been arrested in connection with the incidents, according to Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi.

“This is a big and unforgivable crime. If it is proven that the students were poisoned, the perpetrators of this crime should be severely punished. There will be no amnesty for these people,” Khamenei said on the sidelines of a tree-planting event in Tehran, according to official news agency IRNA.