UK sanctions 10 people for ‘human rights violations’ | UK | News
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced on Monday, February 2, that sanctions would be imposed on ten individuals and one organization who “committed human rights violations in Iran” during the recent protests.
Protests broke out on the streets in Iran in December over the country’s poor economy, but quickly turned to overthrow the Mullah regime, which has ruled with an iron fist since 1979.
Images of the protest show the capital Tehran being covered in graffiti, and reports indicate that protesters chanted slogans calling for the death of 86-year-old religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The protesters showed up despite the armed forces responding to them with brutality and media outlets reporting videos showing body bags lined up in morgues in the capital during the height of the demonstrations.
“The United Kingdom today announced a comprehensive package of sanctions as part of its work to hold Iranian officials accountable for a range of serious human rights abuses,” the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Ms Cooper said in a statement. he said.
“Today, ten individuals and one organization…were sanctioned for their role in enabling and facilitating atrocities and violence against the Iranian people, both in recent peaceful protests and in previous events.”
The Law Enforcement Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FARAJA) have been sanctioned for their role in policing protests in Iran. It is subject to immediate disqualification of the director and freezing of his assets.
The assets of the following persons will be immediately frozen, a travel ban will be imposed and the director will be disqualified:
Ms Cooper said: “The Iranian people have shown extraordinary courage in the face of brutality and oppression in recent weeks simply because they exercised their right to peacefully protest. The reports and shocking scenes of violence seen around the world are appalling.”
“We committed to pushing forward with sanctions and warned the Iranian regime to take further action.”
“We have been clear that we will hold Iranian officials accountable, and today’s package does just that.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs called on the international community to hold the Iranian authorities accountable for the recent violence. This follows human rights sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United States in recent days.
This also follows the commitment made by G7 Foreign Ministers and the EU High Representative, condemning Iran’s use of violence against protesters and outlining that members would be prepared to impose additional restrictive actions if this situation continued.
