The EU has imposed sanctions on six individuals for human rights violations in Iran
On July 24, the Council of the European Union imposed restrictive measures against six individuals it considers responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran. This was reported by “European Truth,” citing the Council of the European Union’s press service.
Five judges from Iran’s regional revolutionary courts were added to the sanctions list. They presided over cases against members of religious minorities and political dissidents, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi. According to the Council of the EU, the charges in these trials related to violations of national security and religious crimes.
As noted in the statement, the judges handed down death sentences, imposed long prison terms, flogging, fines, and additional punishments on political dissidents and human rights defenders. Some of these cases were linked to the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests that took place following the death of Mahsa Amini.
Sanctions were also imposed on Iranian hacker and computer engineer Nima Salehi, the founder and a leading figure of the Ashiyane cybergroup. The EU Council stated that Ashiyane Digital Security works closely with Iran’s “Cyber Police” (FATA) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and is involved in cyberattacks against domestic opponents, reformers, and foreign institutions.
Following this new decision, the EU’s sanctions regime regarding human rights violations in Iran now covers 269 individuals and 53 organizations. The measures include asset freezes, a ban on entry into the EU, and a prohibition on providing funds or economic resources to those designated. In addition, there is a ban on the export to Iran of equipment that could be used for internal repression, including telecommunications monitoring devices.
The European Union introduced this sanctions regime in 2011. It was most recently extended through April 2027.
