Iran: At Least 32 Killed in Fire at Drug Rehab Center

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The Facts

  • According to Iranian state-run news outlets, at least 32 people were killed and 16 others injured after a fire broke out at a drug rehabilitation center in Langarud, a city in the northern Gilan province, on Friday.

  • While an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the blaze, several suspects, including the center manager, have already been arrested, according to Gilan's Chief Justice Esmail Sadeghi.


The Spin

Pro-Iran narrative

This tragic incident in a privately-run drug addiction treatment center in the Gilan province has shocked the Iranian nation. But Tehran has rightly launched a prompt investigation and already taken measures to hold those responsible accountable.

Anti-Iran narrative

Drug addicted Iranians have long been subjected to physical and mental abuses during their stay in rehabilitation centers. This was a tragedy waiting to happen as such a treatment would eventually bring about heavy casualties in the event of a catastrophe similar to a blaze tearing through the building.


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