Joint criticism of eight Iranian newspapers on the coronavirus vaccination process

Eight Iranian newspapers published a joint editorial warning about the consequences of the coronavirus crisis in Iran. The editorial stated that there is no clear prospect for confronting the coronavirus pandemic in Iran.

On May 17, eight Iranian newspapers published a joint editorial criticizing the progress made in combating the coronavirus pandemic and the vaccination process in Iran.

In their joint article, the newspapers Etelaat, Jomhuri Eslami, Sharq, Etemad, Donya Eqtesad, Sazandegi, Haft Sobh, and Hamshahri declared the situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic in Iran to be critical.

The article also mentions “contradictory news and information” as well as “dispersion” in government decision-making.

The editorial states, among other things: "On behalf of the people whose voices have been lost in the hubbub of events, we warn about the most important and vital issue of life these days: the provision and distribution of vaccines must be the first mission of all government agencies."

The aforementioned newspapers criticized the "contradictory information about vaccine imports" and considered it a manifestation of disunity in the decision-making system.

The editorial also expressed concern about the possibility of a lack of “unified will” to combat the coronavirus pandemic. On the other hand, it was said that holding presidential elections could also have a negative impact on the vaccination process and the fight against coronavirus.

In this regard, it is stated: "Since the first months of the next government will be spent on settlement-related matters, there is a serious concern that the fight against Corona will be damaged by this political development, and this will lead to irreparable risks to the health of Iranian citizens."

The aforementioned newspapers have called on Hassan Rouhani to immediately form a national committee. It has been said that this committee should consist of representatives of the government, the private sector, and civil society organizations and oversee the immediate provision of the vaccine and the transparency of its distribution and administration.

Source: DW