Four Suspects In Iranian Acid Attacks Being Held

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda

October 20, 2014

Iranian officials say they have arrested several people suspected of throwing acid at women in a series of attacks in the historic city of Isfahan.

Four suspects are being held in connection with the Isfahan attacks, Iranian media quoted Deputy Interior Minister Morteza Mir Bagheri as saying on October 20.

Police have confirmed at least four acid attacks, though social-network users wrote that up to 13 such attacks had been carried out against female drivers who were allegedly targeted for not being properly veiled. 

Mohammad Taghi Rahbar, a senior cleric in Isfahan, has condemned the attacks, saying "such an act under any pretext is reprehensible." 

Under Islamic law in Iran, women must cover their hair and wear loose-fitting clothes.

With reporting by AFP and irna.ir