Education is the supreme power that opens the gate to other human rights. Education is the cornerstone that helps you to build a life and develop the freedom of opinion and expression so that your life and health can thrive. Age, race, gender, place of birth, and anything else should never limit your education and learning opportunities.
In this context, the protests in Iran are vital. a country devastated by the events of December 2022, which led many parents to raise their voices, asking how safe it can be for their children to go to school.
The game-changer event became known to the world at the end of 2022, when hundreds of schoolgirls in Qom, south of Tehran, reported respiratory poisoning. This resulted in protests from the relatives of the victims, unable to be quiet while their children were being poised at school. The poisoning started at The Isfahan University of Technology, where many students were infected. After examination, the Isfahan Health Center found the Shigella bacteria spread among them, also confirming this happened through poisoned food.
However, the poisoning outbreak did not end there: it was widespread throughout more schools and universities in the country. According to the Iran state news channel, about 200 GIRLS from 12 different schools have reported symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dyspnea, heart palpitation, and coughing since November 30. As stated by Qom News, authorities have first tried to silence the media, preventing them from reporting about incidents and their cause.
However, due to enormous protests, They were unable to do so. In addition, various officials in Iran share that the cause behind this incident is intentional. Several theories are being developed in the country, and many local media say it could be the work of a religious group that does not support women's education. Attorney General Mohammad Javad Montazeri wrote a letter to the Qom prosecutor stating, "the issue should be followed up with more attentiveness, speed, and precision."
On February 14, the parents of students who had been ill demanded an explanation from the authorities, INRA reported. The next day, government spokesman Ali Bahadori Jahromi confirmed that the Intelligence and Education Ministries were investigating the cause of the poisoning. Prosecutor General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri also launched a judicial investigation into the event last week.
This incident also led to the rise of anti-hijab protests. Many teenage schoolgirls removed their hijab last year to join the anti-government protest. unfortunately, this led to the death of 22 years old Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini for violating the strict dress code for women. Although the authorities have denied the accusations of violence against Ms. Amini, her family has opposed the police statement by saying she was healthy before her arrest. This angered more teenagers to protest, asking the officials for justice and answers.
However, the authorities have denied the violence against Ms. Amini, rejecting the local news spreading of 'intentional poisoning' and depicting it as a rumor. The reason behind the 'mysterious poison' is being investigated, and they will soon release a verdict. however, the idea of an anonymous group acting against girls' education is spreading among locals, who are now demanding protection and answers from authorities.
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