The Islamic Republic’s clampdown on freedoms in an increasingly stifling environment has in recent years confined Iranians to campaigns on social media as their last resort to speak out with a minimal risk of prosecution. And the expression of anger against the coronavirus pandemic policies has been no exception.
“Just import the vaccine,” is what furious Iranians post across social media platforms, accusing their government of dragging its feet on purchasing the internationally approved coronavirus vaccines. The campaigns were launched after Iranian officials demonstrated reluctance with confusing and often contradictory excuses, even as the country’s mortality rate is inching closer to the 55,000 mark.
