Quote of the Day—Iran’s deputy health minister Iraj Harirchi said releasing a province-by-province breakdown of coronavirus statistics would create the “risk of further spread of the virus”, after three days of refusing to release the breakdown. From “Iran Refuses To Release Detailed Coronavirus Statistics,” Matthew Petti, National Interest, April 16, 2020. Here is a further quote from Haririchi—“Releasing the provincial statistics would result in travel from provinces with a high prevalence of the coronavirus to provinces with lower or moderate prevalence, and as a result, these regions will face the danger of increased spread of the virus,” he told the state-run IRNA. But wait! There’s more! Haririchi added that interpretation of scientific data “should be done in a general and national manner, and should be announced to the people with transparency.” Finally, in a story where the hits just keep coming, readers are reminded that “Harirchi had previously made international headlines at the beginning of the outbreak when he denied rumors of a coronavirus coverup on television while visibly ill. He tested positive for the coronavirus and was quarantined soon after.” Remember him? This the official who sweated and coughed while denying covering up the scale of the outbreak. See “Coronavirus: Iran’s deputy health minister tests positive as outbreak worsens,” February 25, 2020. So whether it is the height of hypocrisy or is an example of mismanagement or both, but even more likely light shining on one of the points of financial and political corruption in the Iran System, Iraj Harirchi appears to be headed for membership in the Iraqi Information Minister Hall of Fame.
More good news on the invention to detect coronavirus. IRGC Gen. Salami “explained that the device, dubbed “Mosta’an,” can “detect every coronavirus infection case within a 100-meter radius by creating a magnetic field and using a bipolar virus inside the device,” Salami said … and claimed the Mosta’an was being adapted to eventually detect any virus.” What is a bipolar virus? Will Iran mass produce these and put them in every hospital and clinic? Let’s watch and see. We also wonder what countries will order these for their health system. Certainly Gen. Salami will be awarded some honor by Supreme Leader Khamenei … or will be demoted. See “Iran marks Army Day with medical gear parade instead of usual missiles and jets,” Times of Israel, April 18, 2020.
89 deaths on Friday. “Iran parades medical gear, not missiles on Army Day as coronavirus deaths hit 4,958 – Middle East Monitor,” Miriam Jackson, Union Journal, April 18, 2020.
Quoting from another story, to display the poor conditions the Regime does not change. “Referring to concerns over the novel coronavirus outbreak in the Islamic Republic prisons, a lawyer defending political prisoners says fear is dominating Qarchak detention center and calls for urgent action. Qarchak Prison, located in a remote desert, 39 kilometers (about 24 miles) east of Tehran, is known as the most dangerous and worst prison in Iran for its inhumane medical and psychological conditions. Swamps and marshes surround the prison, so the prison is filled with insects and rats. The New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) says common complaints in Qarchak Prison include urine-stained floors, lack of ventilation, insufficient and filthy bathroom facilities, the prevalence of contagious diseases, poor quality food containing small pieces of stone and salty water. In recent days, women prisoners have complained that fumes have escaped from the drainage system, filling their rooms with foul odors. Exclusively for female inmates, Qarchak Prison includes seven sections holding approximately 2,000 women and some children, while the number varies in different periods.” See “Lawyer Says Coronavirus Fear Reigns Over Women’s Prison In Iran,” Radio Farda, April 18, 2020.
In an interesting development now made public, the Rouhani administration asked Judiciary for furlough during the virus for dual nationality political prisoners. The Judiciary said no. “Iran Administration Solicited Furlough For Imprisoned Dual-Citizens, Political Prisoners,” Maryam Sinaiee, Radio Farda, April 18, 2020.
“Iran’s Military Says It Has 3 Bomb-Carrying Drones,” VOA, April 18, 2020. Not demonstrated, but claimed, high-altitude (13,700 meters) and long-range (1,500 kilometers).
“UN Experts Call For ‘Immediate Release’ Of Political Prisoners In Iran,” Radio Farda, April 18, 2020.
“Iran is about to contain Covid-19, says minister,” Prensa Latina, April 18, 2020.