Why are schoolgirls being poisoned in Iran?

In September last year, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died whilst in the custody of Iran’s government-led morality police. She had been arrested for not wearing a hijab in accordance with Iran law.

Amini’s death is believed to result from police brutality, sparking youth-led protests across the country ever since.

Now schoolgirls are being randomly poisoned, raising suspicions it’s the latest tactic by the government to scare youth out of protesting. Iranian human rights groups say at least 7,068 students have been affected in a minimum of 103 schools. Reports say many have been hospitalised with respiratory problems, nausea, dizziness and fatigue and 5 have died, although the exact numbers are unconfirmed.

“I’d say given the nature of the toxic substances that are being used, they’re not substances that everyday people would have access to. This mass poisoning would only be able to be executed and carried out by the regime.”

Nos Hosseini, Secretary and Spokesperson at Iranian Women’s Association

Secretary and Spokesperson for the Iranian Women’s Association, Nos Hosseini joins us on today’s Briefing to speak about the poisonings.

Listen to the full episode below: