Efforts to Suppress Corona Information Coverage | Iranian Police Arrest 24 People Under Pretext of Fighting Rumors

Reports indicate an increase in security crackdowns against those attempting to spread news about coronavirus, with police authorities announcing the arrest of 24 people in this connection.

Vahid Majid, head of Iran’s cyber police, said on Wednesday, March 28, that following “monitoring of cyberspace and the formation of a special taskforce in police’s internet crimes unit to combat rumor-mongers in cyberspace,” a total of 24 people have been arrested and referred to judicial authorities, while 118 users have been warned and advised.

Mike Pompeo warned on Tuesday that the United States is concerned about cover-ups by Islamic Republic officials regarding the spread of coronavirus.

Public opinion in Iran is concerned about cover-ups by Iranian authorities. The first death from coronavirus was reported on the first day of Esfand, while prior to that, officials had denied any coronavirus cases in Iran.

In past years, there has been precedent for Islamic Republic officials, in cases such as the acid attacks in Isfahan, to arrest and imprison individuals who reported on these incidents rather than pursue and deal with those responsible.

Source: Voice of America