Iran cyberpolice detain 24 over coronavirus rumours

Cyberpolice in Iran have detained 24 people accused of online rumour-mongering about the spread of the coronavirus in the country, Iranian media reported on Wednesday.

Iran has the highest death toll outside of China with 19 killed amid 139 cases confirmed on Wednesday.

The coronavirus has infected more than 80,000 people globally, causing over 2,700 deaths, mainly in China. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has named the illness COVID-19.

"Twenty-four people were arrested and handed over to the judiciary and 118 (internet) users were talked to and let go" after receiving warnings, said Vahid Majid, head of the Iranian police force's cyber unit.

The arrests were carried out after the establishment of a special unit to "combat rumour-mongers regarding the 'spread of coronavirus in the country'," he was quoted as saying.

"The police are monitoring all the news published in the country's cyberspace."

Majid said the unit would take action over news, pictures or videos that "contain rumours or fake news meant to disturb the public and increase concern in society".

Experts remain concerned that Iran may be underreporting cases and deaths, given the rapid spread from Iran across the Persian Gulf.

The top official in charge of Iran's response to the coronavirus tested positive for the illness, after downplaying the disease a day earlier.