Education Minister: School Administration Suspended for 3 Months in Student Suffocation Incident - Sarmad

Education Minister Eng. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtaba’i has ordered the suspension of the school administration from duty for three months pending investigation, alongside appointing a new school administration to assume responsibility for the school and oversee operations, thereby ensuring a stable school environment and the continuity of the educational process, in connection with the incident involving the suffocation of several female students.

Minister Al-Tabtaba’i visited the students to ensure their well-being and assess their health conditions, praying to Almighty God for their swift recovery, complete health, and wellness, and for the protection of our sons and daughters, the students, from all harm.

During the visit, Minister Al-Tabtaba’i emphasized that the health and safety of students are the top priorities of the Ministry of Education. He stressed the need to continue monitoring the students’ health conditions, ensuring their well-being, and coordinating with relevant authorities to guarantee the provision of necessary care.

The Ministry of Education clarified that, based on preliminary investigations confirming the involvement of several female students in the incident, appropriate educational and regulatory measures have been taken against them in accordance with the Comprehensive Regulatory Bylaws of the Ministry of Education, after the established behaviors were classified as serious behavioral violations.

The Ministry affirmed that the investigation into the incident is ongoing to determine all causes and circumstances, and to accurately assign responsibilities. It stressed that necessary measures will be taken against anyone proven responsible or negligent, in accordance with prevailing systems and regulations, and based on the final results of the investigation.

The Ministry emphasized that these measures are implemented to safeguard the security and safety of students, maintain a stable school environment, and reinforce principles of discipline and accountability. It reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward any behavior that could compromise the security of the school community or the safety of its members.

The Ministry of Education expressed its deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Ministry of Health, its officials, and the medical teams that handled the cases, commending the swift response, healthcare, and follow-up provided to the students since the incident, which exemplifies the integrated efforts of state institutions and their commitment to the health and safety of their citizens.

The Ministry of Education reaffirmed that the security and safety of students and educational and administrative staff are fundamental responsibilities that allow no complacency. It stated that it will continue to follow up on the incident until all investigations and procedures are completed, and that it will take all necessary decisions to ensure the safety of students, enhance discipline, and provide a safe and stable educational environment for all.