Iran is building a massive grave for coronavirus victims

In Iran - now facing one of the largest outbreaks of the novel coronavirus outside of China - graves are being dug at an unusual speed in a cemetery in Qom. Iranian authorities downplayed the spread of the virus by incorrectly reporting the death toll and failing to implement preventative measures, like closing holy sites in Qom where visitors were filmed touching and kissing shrines.Eventually, the government began to show more transparency in addressing the crisis, but videos and satellite imagery reveal how the situation quickly worsened after the government’s slow response.

Just days after Iran declared its first cases of coronavirus, authorities began digging a pair of trenches for the victims of the disease. Together their lengths are now that of a football field. According to expert analysis, videos and official statements, the graves were dug to address the rising rate of deaths from the virus.

This investigation verifies the visual evidence that shows what is going on in Iran amid the coronavirus outbreak and a contradictory government narrative. It lays out a timeline of events, which shows the consequences of the Iranian government’s initial downplaying of the virus’ spread. Read more: https://wapo.st/3aUUZSo. Subscribe to The Washington Post on YouTube: https://wapo.st/2QOdcqK

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