Teacher stabbed by student after catching him cheating during Iraq’s final exams

A high school student in Iraq stabbed a teacher who had caught him cheating during final exams, in an incident that has sparked widespread outrage across the country.

The attack took place last Thursday in the city of Fallujah, Anbar province. According to Iraqi media reports, the student waited outside the exam hall until the end of the test, then ambushed the teacher, Adil Dilf Alawi, with a knife, stabbing him in the back.

Alawi, who holds a master’s degree in history, was rushed to the hospital, where he is reportedly in stable condition.

The assault has triggered condemnation from educators and officials, coming at a time when Iraq’s Ministry of Education has implemented strict anti-cheating protocols during the nationwide baccalaureate exams, which determine university placement. These include early morning internet shutdowns to prevent digital cheating.

Education Minister Ibrahim Namis Al Jubouri ordered legal action against the student and called for close monitoring of the injured teacher’s recovery. In a statement, the ministry described the attack as “unacceptable behavior, contrary to educational and human values,” and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the dignity and safety of teaching staff.

On social media, hundreds of Iraqis expressed sympathy for the injured teacher and criticized what they described as a culture of impunity surrounding violence in schools.

As Iraq continues its nationwide exams, the ministry has vowed not to tolerate further violations, reiterating that protecting educational institutions is a national priority.

 Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE