Tasnim – The prosecutor general of Iran has been tasked with investigating the claim raised by a lawmaker that the novel coronavirus epidemic has killed at least 50 people in the city of Qom, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani said.

In a post on his Twitter account on Tuesday, Shamkhani said he asked the prosecutor general on Monday to verify the authenticity of the claim made by Iranian MP Ahmad Amirabadi about the number of coronavirus deaths in Qom, and to publicize the results of investigation.

“Spreading untrue reports and hiding the truth both disrupt national security and undermine the social capital,” he added.

His comments came after Amirabadi, who represents the city of Qom, claimed that at least 50 people have died of coronavirus in the holy city.

The Health Ministry categorically denied the claim, saying the total number of people who have died from the coronavirus in the country has reached 14 and the number of confirmed cases stands at 61.

At least 24 people infected with COVID-19 have recovered from the diseases after being admitted to the hospital.