Families chant slogans outside an education ministry building in Tehran. AFP
Families chant slogans outside an education ministry building in Tehran. AFP
Families chant slogans outside an education ministry building in Tehran. AFP
Families chant slogans outside an education ministry building in Tehran. AFP

MENA

Iran

More than 5,000 students reportedly poisoned across Iran as attacks spread to metro

Iranian media reported travellers coughing and collapsed on train stations

Holly Johnston
Holly Johnston

March 07, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

More than 5,000 cases of poisoned school pupils have been reported across the country, an Iranian MP said, as attacks spread to public transport networks.

The poisonings were a result of "special gas", MP Mohammed Hassan Asefari told the Iranian Students' News Agency.

The number those affected was significantly higher than official estimates of about 1,000.

The Czech Republic-based Radio Farda reported around 2,500 cases in more than 100 schools, according to Iranian media outlets.

READ MORE

Iran urged to end suspected poisoning of schoolgirls

First reported in the holy city of Qom in November, the poisonings have increased in recent weeks and prompted renewed anti-government protests and pushed parents to take their children out of school.

While authorities have placed the blame with Tehran's enemies, many accuse the government, pressured by months of fierce protests, of being behind the attacks.

Parents gathered outside the Ministry of Education at the weekend, in video footage verified by Reuters.

"Basij, Guards, you are our Daesh," they chanted, likening security forces to ISIS.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its Basij paramilitary force have been at the forefront of the regime's response to the protests and are estimated to have killed more than 500 people since demonstrations began in September.

Pro-protest accounts also reported renewed rallies in several areas, with people demonstrating against the "baby-killing government".

Demonstrators chant slogans during the March of Solidarity for Iran in Washington. AFP
Demonstrators chant slogans during the March of Solidarity for Iran in Washington. AFP
Another group of demonstrators at the march. AFP
Another group of demonstrators at the march. AFP
A protest in support of Iranian women in Barcelona. Reuters
A protest in support of Iranian women in Barcelona. Reuters
Iranian citizens and locals joined in the Barcelona protest. Reuters
Iranian citizens and locals joined in the Barcelona protest. Reuters
People attend a demonstration in solidarity with Mahsa Amini and other Iranian women in Castello Square, Turin. EPA
People attend a demonstration in solidarity with Mahsa Amini and other Iranian women in Castello Square, Turin. EPA
A person places a candle during the demonstration in Turin. EPA
A person places a candle during the demonstration in Turin. EPA
A protester holds a pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag during a demonstration in Brussels in support of the Iranians fighting for their freedom. AFP
A protester holds a pre-Islamic Revolution Iranian flag during a demonstration in Brussels in support of the Iranians fighting for their freedom. AFP
A protester wearing a top with a logo that reads 'No to an Islamic state" as she takes part in a rally in support of the Iranian people, in Brussels. AFP
A protester wearing a top with a logo that reads 'No to an Islamic state" as she takes part in a rally in support of the Iranian people, in Brussels. AFP
People wave the Shah-era Iranian flag during a protest in Paris. AFP
People wave the Shah-era Iranian flag during a protest in Paris. AFP
A woman shows her true colours in the protest against the Iranian government, in Paris. AFP
A woman shows her true colours in the protest against the Iranian government, in Paris. AFP
A woman holds a flag, as people protest against the Iranian regime outside Iran's embassy in central London. Reuters
A woman holds a flag, as people protest against the Iranian regime outside Iran's embassy in central London. Reuters
Supporters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) carry placards and wave party flags in Beirut, during a protest against the death of Ms Amini. EPA
Supporters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) carry placards and wave party flags in Beirut, during a protest against the death of Ms Amini. EPA
People demonstrate against the Iranian government outside the Houses of Parliament in London following the death of Amini. Reuters
People demonstrate against the Iranian government outside the Houses of Parliament in London following the death of Amini. Reuters
A mural in Paris depicts women cutting their hair to show support for Iranian protesters. AP
A mural in Paris depicts women cutting their hair to show support for Iranian protesters. AP
People take part in a rally against the Iranian government in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday. AP
People take part in a rally against the Iranian government in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday. AP
Protesters take to the streets of Tehran. EPA
Protesters take to the streets of Tehran. EPA
Iranian protesters run after clashing with with police. EPA
Iranian protesters run after clashing with with police. EPA
A protester shaves their head outside the Houses of Parliament in London. Reuters
A protester shaves their head outside the Houses of Parliament in London. Reuters
Iranians living in Athens hold a protest in solidarity. AFP
Iranians living in Athens hold a protest in solidarity. AFP
People take part in a rally in The Hague. AFP
People take part in a rally in The Hague. AFP
A woman cuts her hair during a demonstration in Santiago, Chile, by feminist groups and Iranian migrants in support of Iranian women following the death of Amini. AFP
A woman cuts her hair during a demonstration in Santiago, Chile, by feminist groups and Iranian migrants in support of Iranian women following the death of Amini. AFP
Members of feminist groups and Iranian migrants during the protests in Santiago. AFP
Members of feminist groups and Iranian migrants during the protests in Santiago. AFP
Iranian activists shout slogans during a protest against the government in Tehran, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. EPA
Iranian activists shout slogans during a protest against the government in Tehran, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. EPA
A protester holds a painted portrait of Mahsa Amini in Berlin, Germany. EPA
A protester holds a painted portrait of Mahsa Amini in Berlin, Germany. EPA
A protester shows red paint on her face, resembling blood splatters and bloody handprints next to the national Iranian emblem, during a rally in Berlin. EPA
A protester shows red paint on her face, resembling blood splatters and bloody handprints next to the national Iranian emblem, during a rally in Berlin. EPA
Iranian protesters shout slogan during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA
Iranian protesters shout slogan during a protest in Istanbul, Turkey. EPA
A woman holds a sign during a protest against the Iranian government, in front of the country's embassy in Madrid, Spain. The protests were triggered by the death of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody. Reuters
A woman holds a sign during a protest against the Iranian government, in front of the country's embassy in Madrid, Spain. The protests were triggered by the death of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody. Reuters
A woman cuts her hair during the protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
A woman cuts her hair during the protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
Israelis show their support for women in Iran as they hold up placards of Amini during a protest in Jerusalem. EPA
Israelis show their support for women in Iran as they hold up placards of Amini during a protest in Jerusalem. EPA
Amini, 22, was arrested in Tehran on September 13, 2022, by the morality police. She fell into a coma while in police custody and was declared dead on September 16. EPA
Amini, 22, was arrested in Tehran on September 13, 2022, by the morality police. She fell into a coma while in police custody and was declared dead on September 16. EPA
People walk by graffiti in support of the protests triggered by Amini's death, in Jerusalem. EPA
People walk by graffiti in support of the protests triggered by Amini's death, in Jerusalem. EPA
A protest in Nantes, western France, after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AFP
A protest in Nantes, western France, after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AFP
Women gather for a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain. AFP
Women gather for a demonstration in Barcelona, Spain. AFP
Demonstrators in Nantes. Amini's death has sparked a global protest movement. AFP
Demonstrators in Nantes. Amini's death has sparked a global protest movement. AFP
Women protest outside the town hall in in Montpellier, southern France. AFP
Women protest outside the town hall in in Montpellier, southern France. AFP
A woman at a protest in Catalunya Square, Barcelona. Reuters
A woman at a protest in Catalunya Square, Barcelona. Reuters
Campaigners and football fans protest at a Champions League match between Porto and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dragao stadium in Portugal. EPA
Campaigners and football fans protest at a Champions League match between Porto and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dragao stadium in Portugal. EPA
People hold placards during a demonstration in solidarity with the Iranian people near the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. EPA
People hold placards during a demonstration in solidarity with the Iranian people near the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. EPA
An Iranian woman living in Turkey with 'Freedom' written on her forehead takes part in a protest near the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Reuters
An Iranian woman living in Turkey with 'Freedom' written on her forehead takes part in a protest near the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Reuters
In Barcelona, protesters take part in a demonstration in support of Iranian women. AFP
In Barcelona, protesters take part in a demonstration in support of Iranian women. AFP
A Lebanese activist takes part in a protest in Beirut, triggered by the death of Amini, 22. AP
A Lebanese activist takes part in a protest in Beirut, triggered by the death of Amini, 22. AP
A Turkish protester takes off her head scarf while giving a performance in Instanbul during a protest against Iran over Amini's death. Getty
A Turkish protester takes off her head scarf while giving a performance in Instanbul during a protest against Iran over Amini's death. Getty
A woman in Istanbul cuts her hair during a protest against Iran. Getty
A woman in Istanbul cuts her hair during a protest against Iran. Getty
A Lebanese activist holds a poster depicting Amini during a protest in Beirut organised by feminist groups in support of women protesters in Iran. EPA
A Lebanese activist holds a poster depicting Amini during a protest in Beirut organised by feminist groups in support of women protesters in Iran. EPA
Demonstrators in Los Angeles, California, hold the Iranian flag during a protest against the government in Tehran. AFP
Demonstrators in Los Angeles, California, hold the Iranian flag during a protest against the government in Tehran. AFP
Demonstrators hold placards in Mexico City during a protest against Iran. Reuters
Demonstrators hold placards in Mexico City during a protest against Iran. Reuters
People demonstrate in Montreal, Canada, during a protest triggered by Amini's death. AFP
People demonstrate in Montreal, Canada, during a protest triggered by Amini's death. AFP
Iranian Americans participate in a rally in central Los Angeles, in solidarity with women in Iran. AP
Iranian Americans participate in a rally in central Los Angeles, in solidarity with women in Iran. AP
Demonstrators march during a protest in Los Angeles, California. AFP
Demonstrators march during a protest in Los Angeles, California. AFP
A woman with the colours of the Iranian flag painted on her face participates in a rally as thousands demonstrate in support of Iranian women in Los Angeles. EPA
A woman with the colours of the Iranian flag painted on her face participates in a rally as thousands demonstrate in support of Iranian women in Los Angeles. EPA
Australians protest over Amini's death in Melbourne. EPA
Australians protest over Amini's death in Melbourne. EPA
Police block protesters from entering Iran's embassy in Oslo, Norway. EPA
Police block protesters from entering Iran's embassy in Oslo, Norway. EPA
Demonstrators in front of the European headquarters of the UN in Geneva, Switzerland, during a rally against Iran. EPA
Demonstrators in front of the European headquarters of the UN in Geneva, Switzerland, during a rally against Iran. EPA
A candlelight vigil for Amini in Los Angeles. AFP
A candlelight vigil for Amini in Los Angeles. AFP
Afghan women hold placards as they take part in a protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Kabul. AFP
Afghan women hold placards as they take part in a protest in front of the Iranian embassy in Kabul. AFP
Protestors take part in a rally outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. AFP
Protestors take part in a rally outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. AFP
An Iranian woman shows a lock of hair she cut off during a protest outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. EPA
An Iranian woman shows a lock of hair she cut off during a protest outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. EPA
Demonstrators outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Getty
Demonstrators outside the Iranian consulate in Istanbul. Getty
Iranian Americans rally on Capitol Hill in Washington to show support for protesters in Iran. AFP
Iranian Americans rally on Capitol Hill in Washington to show support for protesters in Iran. AFP
Protesters on Capitol Hill hold a sign condemning the crackdown by Tehran. AFP
Protesters on Capitol Hill hold a sign condemning the crackdown by Tehran. AFP
German demonstrators gather in Berlin after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AP
German demonstrators gather in Berlin after the death of Amini in Iranian police custody. AP
A protester cries during a rally in Berlin. Reuters
A protester cries during a rally in Berlin. Reuters
A demonstration in Madrid, Spain. Thousands have gathered in cities across Europe to support protests in Iran. AP
A demonstration in Madrid, Spain. Thousands have gathered in cities across Europe to support protests in Iran. AP
Demonstrators gather outside the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
Demonstrators gather outside the Iranian embassy in Madrid. Reuters
People take part in a protest in Lausanne, Switzerland. EPA
People take part in a protest in Lausanne, Switzerland. EPA
Protesters hold signs featuring images of Amini during the protest in the western Swiss city. EPA
Protesters hold signs featuring images of Amini during the protest in the western Swiss city. EPA
Demonstrators in front of the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. EPA
Demonstrators in front of the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. EPA
An activist outside the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a sign that reads 'Justice for Mahsa Amini'. AFP
An activist outside the Iranian embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a sign that reads 'Justice for Mahsa Amini'. AFP
A demonstration against violence in Iran is held in Quito, Ecuador. The Iranian community in Ecuador protested outside the Iranian embassy. EPA
A demonstration against violence in Iran is held in Quito, Ecuador. The Iranian community in Ecuador protested outside the Iranian embassy. EPA
Protesters at a demonstration outside the Iranian embassy in Quito, Ecuador. EPA
Protesters at a demonstration outside the Iranian embassy in Quito, Ecuador. EPA

Schoolgirls are said to be the most affected but cases have also been reported at universities and at boys' schools.

The health ministry has claimed that "no toxic traces" were found in medical samples taken from students at affected schools.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said those responsible should be executed.

The poisonings have been widely condemned and the US has said it may fall under the mandate of a UN investigation.

While the government has pledged a full investigation, it has opened legal cases into news outlets for "spreading lies" about the attacks which have left some students in critical condition.

The judiciary has opened lawsuits against six news outlets and media personalities for "publishing lies and baseless rumours", its affiliated news agency Mizan reported.

Wider target

Special branches have been set up across the country to deal with false rumours, it announced on Monday, and two additional branches have been established within Tehran's Special Prosecutors Office.

Meanwhile, people have also reported poisonings at metro stations in several cities, prompting fears the attacks could target wider society.

Footage on social media show travellers coughing and collapsed on metro platforms, while others have published images of emergency hammers removed from carriages, claiming they fear it is a prelude to similar attacks.

Civil rights advocate Atena Daemi also alluded to possible attacks on the metro.

"The Islamic Republic collected emergency hammers and replaced the subway windows, which is a warning for more extensive chemical attacks by government agents," said Ms Daemi, who has been imprisoned in Tehran's notorious Evin prison and has a wide following on social media.

On Tuesday, social media users warned people away from a metro station in the city of Isfahan, claiming passengers had begun collapsing and vomiting, while people reportedly fainted at a Tehran station.

What is an ETF?

An exchange traded fund is a type of investment fund that can be traded quickly and easily, just like stocks and shares. They come with no upfront costs aside from your brokerage's dealing charges and annual fees, which are far lower than on traditional mutual investment funds. Charges are as low as 0.03 per cent on one of the very cheapest (and most popular), Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, with the maximum around 0.75 per cent.

There is no fund manager deciding which stocks and other assets to invest in, instead they passively track their chosen index, country, region or commodity, regardless of whether it goes up or down.

The first ETF was launched as recently as 1993, but the sector boasted $5.78 billion in assets under management at the end of September as inflows hit record highs, according to the latest figures from ETFGI, a leading independent research and consultancy firm.

There are thousands to choose from, with the five largest providers BlackRock’s iShares, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisers, Deutsche Bank X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.

While the best-known track major indices such as MSCI World, the S&P 500 and FTSE 100, you can also invest in specific countries or regions, large, medium or small companies, government bonds, gold, crude oil, cocoa, water, carbon, cattle, corn futures, currency shifts or even a stock market crash. 

On Women's Day
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Gothia Cup 2025

4,872 matches 

1,942 teams

116 pitches

76 nations

26 UAE teams

15 Lebanese teams

2 Kuwaiti teams

While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
On Women's Day
Reading List

Practitioners of mindful eating recommend the following books to get you started:

Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life by Thich Nhat Hanh and Dr Lilian Cheung

How to Eat by Thich Nhat Hanh

The Mindful Diet by Dr Ruth Wolever

Mindful Eating by Dr Jan Bays

How to Raise a Mindful Eaterby Maryann Jacobsen

Chelsea 2 Burnley 3
Chelsea Morata (69'), Luiz (88')
Burnley Vokes (24', 43'), Ward (39')
Red cards Cahill, Fabregas (Chelsea)

While you're here
The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

While you're here
While you're here
Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

Global Fungi Facts

• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E680hp%20at%206%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E800Nm%20at%202%2C750-6%2C000rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERear-mounted%20eight-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E13.6L%2F100km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Orderbook%20open%3B%20deliveries%20start%20end%20of%20year%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh970%2C000%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
Plastic tipping points
SHOW COURTS ORDER OF PLAY

Wimbledon order of play on Tuesday, July 11
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Centre Court

Adrian Mannarino v Novak Djokovic (2)

Venus Williams (10) v Jelena Ostapenko (13)

Johanna Konta (6) v Simona Halep (2)

Court 1

Garbine Muguruza (14) v

Svetlana Kuznetsova (7)

Magdalena Rybarikova v Coco Vandeweghe (24) 

You might also like
You might also like
Off-roading in the UAE: How to checklist
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

'HIJRAH%3A%20IN%20THE%20FOOTSTEPS%20OF%20THE%20PROPHET'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEdited%20by%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Idries%20Trevathan%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20240%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hirmer%20Publishers%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: March 07, 2023, 10:46 AM`
IranTehranEducation