TEHRAN -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Monday called mysterious poisoning of students in Iran’s schools a “big and unignorable” crime, calling on authorities to seriously pursue the issue.
“This is a big and unforgivable crime, and if anyone is involved in this incident, the perpetrators must receive the most severe punishment,” the Leader said.
Ayatollah Khamenei described the incident as “a crime against the most innocent elements of the society, namely children, as well as the cause of psychological insecurity in the society and worry of the families”.
“Everyone should know that if anyone is identified and convicted as the perpetrators of this crime, there will be no amnesty for them because they must be severely punished to serve as an example to others,” the Leader added.
Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks as he planted saplings to mark Iran’s national Arbor Day.
The Leader highlighted the importance of planting saplings for preservation of the environment. He said a declaration on the preservation of the environment is one of the outstanding features of Iran’s Constitution, which no one should violate.
He said experts’ advice is that in addition to planting fruit trees, forest trees and trees important for their wood should also be planted, because trade of wood has a significant impact on the economy.
“The current state of the country, with regard to the value of the national currency and inflation, is the outcome of a single-product economy,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.
The Leader also touched on state officials’ efforts to resolve the county’s problems, saying authorities should use all possible economic ways to find the right solution to people’s problems.
Since November 2022, some Iranian students have reported symptoms of poisoning while in school. The outbreak started in the central city of Qom before expanding to other cities.
In most cases, students suffered respiratory problems, nausea, fatigue and dizziness, while some were hospitalized.
President Ebrahim Raisi has ordered the ministers of intelligence and interior to thoroughly investigate the cases and publicize the results.
On Sunday, he said the poisonings amount to a “crime and an inhumane act” which are being committed by the enemies of the nation.
“The enemy’s new conspiracy of creating fear in the hearts of students… and their parents is a crime and an inhumane act,” he told a cabinet session.
According to the president, the incidents are another link in the