The organized chemical attacks on schools in Iran continue; seven other schools were attacked in one day
At least seven schools across multiple Iranian cities were targeted in organized chemical attacks on
Hengaw: Saturday, April 15, 2023
At least seven schools across multiple Iranian cities were targeted in organized chemical attacks on Saturday, April 15, 2023, resulting in dozens of students being poisoned and sent to medical centers.
According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, the schools of Sharafat and Khadijah Kobri in Sanandaj, Mehr Parvin Girls' School in Sarpol-e Zahab, Shafi Girls' High School in Mahabad, Balanj Village Girls' School in Urmia, Parveen Etsami Girls' High School in Izeh, and Mohammad Rasulullah Girls' School in Shahr-e Qods, Tehran Province, were targeted by chemical gases.
The attack on Sharafat and Khadijah Kobra schools in Sanandaj resulted in 14 female students being poisoned and sent to Tawheed Hospital. The students' names were released by Hengaw as Mehna Goli, Helen Bahmani, Shilan Mohammadi, Esra Safai, Sarina Rostami, Sarina Najafi, Zarian Ahmadi, Elina Mohammadi, Narin Fatahi, Nazanin Majidian, Azin Sadeghi, Sogand Sadeghi, Zahra Pakdel, and Zarian Sobhani.
An eyewitness in Sarpol-e Zahab reported that gas canisters were thrown into Mehr Parvin school from the third floor, and the school management prevented students from leaving for a while by closing entry and exit doors. Over 37 students were poisoned and taken to Shahada Hospital in Sarpol-e Zahab.
Shafi Girls' High School in Mahabad was also targeted, and some students were reported to be in critical condition. Balanj village girls' school in Urmia, Parveen Etsami Girls' High School in Izeh, and Mohammad Rasulullah Girls' School in Shahr-e Qods, Tehran Province, were also targeted, resulting in several students being poisoned and taken to hospitals.
In response, parents of students in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan, gathered in front of the education department in protest against the chemical attacks on schools. Government forces reportedly used tear gas against protesters. Additionally, Parshang Rangbari, the principal of Meraj Secondary Girls' High School in Saqqez, resigned from his position in protest against the chemical attacks and the lack of identification of perpetrators, calling his resignation a civil protest.
