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Girls in Iran: Poisoning cases have kept the country in suspense for weeks (symbolic picture)
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In addition to the ever-flaring protests against violence against women in Iran, a mysterious series of poisonings has been occupying the country for some time.
Hundreds of schoolgirls with symptoms of poisoning have had to be treated in hospitals since November, and many parents have recently taken to the streets because of this.
The arrest of the newspaper journalist Ali Purtabatabai, about which the newspaper Entekhab reported on Sunday evening (local time), citing his sister, is unlikely to contribute to any clarification.
According to the news portal Radio Liberty, a colleague of the reporter also reported that Purtabatabai had informed a family member of his arrest by telephone.
However, the connection was broken before the journalist could provide any further information.
Purtabatabai reportedly worked in the religious stronghold of Qom, where the first cases of poisoning were reported months ago.
He had repeatedly reported on the poisoning cases, the background to which is still unclear.
The arrest does not contribute to the "demystification of the rumors and news," wrote reform politician and journalist Abbas Abdi on Twitter.
It makes the rumors even worse.
I hope he will be released soon.«
Affected almost exclusively girls' schools
The first cases of the mysterious poisoning were reported back in November.
Iran's government assumes targeted attacks.
Schools for girls are almost exclusively affected.
Hundreds of schoolgirls have been treated in hospitals across the country.
According to the AP news agency, at least one boy was also affected.
Parents and relatives are outraged and angry, and there is still no official explanation.
They accuse the authorities of failure and blame them.
Doctors speak of poison gas attacks.
Iran's religious leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, first commented on the incidents on Monday.
He spoke of an "inexcusable" crime.
"The perpetrators should be seriously punished," Khamenei was quoted as saying by the state media.
Some politicians suspect Islamist extremists who are against education for girls to be behind the attacks.
The schoolgirls who were last affected are said to have complained about feeling unwell, nausea or palpitations and some were taken to clinics.
The mullahs' regime has faced protests since last September and the violent death of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini.
According to Amnesty International, protests have since killed scores.
Schoolgirls also took part in the demonstrations.
The demonstrations have become the biggest challenge for the government since the founding of the Islamic Republic.
fek/dpa