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

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


Holly Johnston
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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.

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
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    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.

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