Iranian authorities have launched an investigation into the poisoning of 650 schoolgirls by toxic gas since November, BBC reported on Tuesday.
None of the girls lost their lives as a result of the poisoning, but dozens have suffered respiratory problems, nausea, dizziness and fatigue, it said.
The available information on the poisoning indicates “the possibility of criminal and premeditated acts”, according to the country’s deputy health minister.
Most of the poisoning incidents took place in Qom, the religious heartland of the country that is home to Iran’s clergy and theological seminaries.
According to BBC, some Iranians suspect that the poisoning were some form of punishment against schoolgirls who played a major role in nationwide protests that followed the death of Jina (Mahsa) Amini, a young Kurdish woman.
Amini died while visiting Tehran after she was arrested by the country’s religious police for violating the dress code. Amini allegedly suffered brain injuries due to torture she suffered during her detention.
Following her death, many woman, particularly schoolgirls, in Iran for months filled the streets taking out their headscarves and cutting their hair to show their defiance to the country’s religious rule.
Some also speculate that the poisoning were carried out by some hardliners who want to terrorise parents to stop sending their girls to school, the BBC said.
