Reckless leaders in Turkmenistan are accused of putting lives at risk by banning any discussion about coronavirus - and even banning citizens from wearing facemasks.
The government has reportedly said the word "coronavirus" cannot be used in any media reports or health leaflets. Officials claim there has not been a single case within their borders.
Even wearing face masks is prohibited, journalists in the secretive state, led by strongman Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, claim.
Reports from inside Turkmenistan claim those overheard discussing the killer bug could face arrest. The Turkmenistan Chronicle - which cannot be accessed inside the country - claims that brochures released in recent days by the Ministry of Health make no mention of