Governor, minister condemn assault on teacher in Karbala

KARBALA — Karbala Governor Nassif Jassem Al-Khattabi on Wednesday visited teacher Rand Ahmed Ajaz after she was assaulted while on duty, vowing strict measures to protect educators.

“The teaching staff represent a red line that cannot be crossed,” Al-Khattabi said, stressing that the local government “will take strict and deterrent measures against anyone who dares to abuse educators.” He added that such acts “do not represent the morals and values of Karbala’s people” and expressed confidence in the judiciary to prevent future incidents.

Education Minister Ibrahim Namis Al-Jubouri also directed legal action against the attacker, identified as a student’s parent. “It is important to preserve the dignity and prestige of the Iraqi teacher,” he said. “There will be no leniency with the aggressor or any waiver until educational rights are secured.” A ministry statement said a legal committee has been formed to pursue the case in court.

The Nasarwa tribe, to which the teacher belongs, issued a statement condemning the attack inside Nusour School at the Al-Durra complex. The tribe called the incident “a vile and unjustified act” and said the Ministry of Education, Karbala Education Directorate, and local government bear responsibility for protecting teachers.

The statement warned that repeated attacks pose “a serious threat to social peace in the governorate.” Sheikh Hussein Abdulwahid, the tribe’s chief, said, “We will not tolerate reclaiming our daughter’s rights in a way that preserves her dignity,” while urging members to exercise restraint and stage a protest to ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice.

Separately, Baghdad Operations Command announced Wednesday the arrest of five people accused of assaulting a school principal during working hours in Sadr City, east of the capital.