Education minister orders investigation after teacher allegedly beats student

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s acting Minister of Education Ahmed al-Asadi ordered an urgent investigation Sunday after a teacher allegedly assaulted a student at Al-Fidaa School for Boys in Baghdad’s Karkh district, following a complaint from the student’s family that circulated on social media.

The ministry said the student, identified as Abdullah, a first intermediate grade pupil described as among high-achieving students, was allegedly beaten by a teacher while in the schoolyard to receive his exemption exam result. Al-Asadi directed the formation of an investigative committee to examine all parties involved and take legal measures against those found responsible, stressing “the rejection of any assault within educational institutions.”

Violence against children in Iraqi schools remains a broader concern, with judicial authorities defining such violence as any act causing physical or psychological harm, including beating, verbal abuse or intimidation. Iraqi law provides penalties including imprisonment and disciplinary measures, particularly when the perpetrator is a public employee such as a teacher.