Coordination Council of Teachers' Trade Unions: Rulers Must Be Transparent and Accountable Regarding Disasters

A teachers' trade union condemned the explosions in Kerman that resulted in hundreds of casualties, describing it as a major shock for Iranian society. They stated, "Such disasters reproduce hatred, systemic violence, and widespread repression that have been imposed on the people for years by an authoritarian regime." The Coordination Council of Teachers' Trade Unions of Iran, in its statement, urged the public to hold the rulers accountable for "clear and specific responses to disasters." The Teachers' Union also condemned the Kerman explosions and all forms of violence, stating, "The focus of security and law enforcement agencies on suppressing critics and civil protesters has given the most reactionary and violent internal and external forces the opportunity to take revenge on innocent people for the regime's regional adventures." Following the explosions at a government ceremony commemorating the anniversary of Qassem Soleimani's death in Kerman, over 100 people, including at least six children, were killed. The terrorist group ISIS has claimed responsibility for these explosions. Many countries around the world have condemned these explosions. In this regard, the United States expressed sympathy for the victims, emphasizing the terrorist nature of these explosions. On the line: Ambiguity about the nature of the deadly attacks in Kerman; a long list of suspects including the Islamic Republic. The U.S. response to ISIS's claim of responsibility for the Kerman explosions: Our assessment is the same. A senior advisor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies stated: The Kerman explosions represent a type of internal security threat and have no connection to Israel or the U.S.