Efforts to Suppress Coronavirus Information Reporting | Iranian Police Arrest 24 People Under Pretext of Fighting Rumors

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

Vahid Majid, head of Iran’s cyber police, stated on Wednesday, the 7th of Esfand, that with reference to “monitoring cyberspace and forming a special task force in the cyber police to counter rumor-mongers in cyberspace,” 24 people have been arrested and referred to judicial authorities so far, and 118 users have been given warnings and guidance.

Mike Pompeo warned on Tuesday that America is concerned about cover-ups by Islamic Republic authorities regarding the coronavirus outbreak.

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, at a time when authorities had previously denied any cases of coronavirus in Iran.

In past years, there has been a history of Islamic Republic authorities, in cases such as acid attacks in Isfahan, instead of pursuing and dealing with perpetrators, arresting and imprisoning individuals who reported on these incidents.

Source: Voice of America