The Minister of Education announces strict measures after the incident in Bistrița: “We are even considering checking a child’s backpack when they enter school.”

Education Minister Sorin Costreie announced Wednesday evening on Digi24 that he will propose doubling the penalties for assaults committed against teachers and school staff. The statement comes after the knife attack that took place on Monday at “Ștefan cel Mare” Middle School in Bistrița, where a mathematics teacher and a 12-year-old student were injured.

According to investigators, a 13-year-old seventh-grade student allegedly premeditated the attack and stalked a classmate. The teacher underwent surgery, while the injured student was discharged. The suspect was admitted to a child psychiatry ward, and prosecutors opened a criminal case for attempted aggravated murder.

The Education Minister also mentioned preventive measures such as checking schoolbags at school entrances and installing metal detectors. These options are to be analyzed by the authorities, along with measures concerning violence, bladed weapons, and the influence of social media.