Evidence of Islamic Republic Authorities’ Cover-up; Khamenei Knew About Coronavirus Spread from February 16
The release of a video by an individual discussing special protective measures taken to prevent Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei from contracting coronavirus, before the formal announcement of coronavirus cases in Iran, has revealed new dimensions of the regime’s cover-up regarding when authorities became aware of the virus’s presence in the country.
One of the eulogists who attended a meeting with the Islamic Republic’s leader on February 16 disclosed that during this meeting, they were not allowed to approach or kiss Syed Ali Khamenei’s hand, as it was necessary to “preserve his life.” This occurred while the presence of coronavirus in Iran was officially announced on February 20, following the deaths of two citizens in Qom.
Previously, the release of photographs from this meeting showing Ali Khamenei at an unusual distance from attendees had sparked controversy on social media. Now, Nariman Panahi in a released video has explicitly alluded to the existence of precautionary measures to protect the Islamic Republic’s leader.
Public opinion in Iran is concerned about the Islamic Republic authorities’ concealment regarding the spread of coronavirus. In previous years, there have been precedents where Islamic Republic officials, instead of pursuing and dealing with perpetrators in cases such as acid attacks in Isfahan, arrested and imprisoned individuals who reported on these incidents.
Simultaneously, the U.S. State Department’s representative for Iran on Thursday, March 5, accused Islamic Republic officials of lying to the Iranian people about the extent of coronavirus spread in the country. Brian Hook told reporters: “The regime initially told people there was no reason to be concerned about the spread of this virus. But at the same time, the virus was spreading throughout Iran.”
Previously, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on Friday, February 28, in a session at the House Foreign Affairs Committee, citing the history of Islamic Republic officials’ concealment, said Iran’s regime is unwilling to provide information about coronavirus spread and expressed concern that they may be hiding important information.
This was the second time the U.S. Secretary of State expressed concern about potential cover-up by Iranian authorities. Mike Pompeo had previously warned that America is concerned about the concealment by Islamic Republic authorities regarding the spread of coronavirus.
Source: Voice of America
