The European Union has imposed new sanctions against 16 individuals and three entities over serious human rights violations in Iran, according to a decision on Monday from EU foreign ministers.
Those sanctioned are accused of having played a key role in suppressing the street protests in January. Estimates suggest that more than 17,000 people were killed.
Iran’s deputy interior minister for Security and Law Enforcement Affairs, various commanders of local Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) units, and the head of Tehran’s so-called cyber police are among those sanctioned.
The latter is accused of playing a key role in filtering the internet and implementing censorship measures. Among the affected entities is an Iranian IT services and consulting company responsible for developing a mobile application which, according to the EU, is used by Iranian law enforcement authorities as a surveillance tool to monitor and control citizens.
The EU sanctions related to human rights violations in Iran include, among other measures, travel bans for individuals and a prohibition on making funds or economic resources available to those subject to sanctions. In addition, assets held within the EU by individuals and organizations must be frozen.
Going forward, the sanctions will apply to a total of 263 individuals and 53 entities.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha speaks via video during the meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council, to discuss the situation in Ukraine and Iran. Frederic Sierakowski/EU Council/dpa
