The EU sanctions 11 leaders and 4 entities of Iran for repressing women’s protests

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the European Union approved this Monday sanctions against 11 leaders and 4 entities linked to the Ayatollah regime in Iran for repressing the protests sparked by the death of the young Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested on charges of wearing the veil incorrectly.

“Unanimous decision today to take measures against those responsible in Iran for the death of Mahsa Amini and the violent repression of peaceful protests. The EU will always act against serious human rights violations,” he wrote. on his Twitter account the head of community diplomacy, Joseph Borrell.

The new sanctions complicate the European Union’s attempt to revive the agreement signed with Iran (JCPOA in Brussels jargon) to put an end to its nuclear program, in limbo since the then president of the United States, donald trumpdecided to retire in 2018. The pact was about to be revived in the summer with the support of Joe Biden’s White Housebut the worsening of the war in Ukraine and the wave of protests after the death of Mahsa Amini have once again distanced the signatories.

[La escaladora Elnaz Rekabi desafía al régimen de Irán al competir sin hiyab a modo de protesta]

“The Iran nuclear deal for me has always been a way to improve security in the region and beyond, also for us. The JCPOA would be a source of security. As you know, the negotiation has stalled in recent weeks. I don’t expect any movement. It’s a shame, because we were very closeBorrell lamented.

The sanctions approved this Monday by the EU include those responsible for the death of Mahsa Amini: the Iranian Morality Police and two of its key figures, Mohammad Rostami and Hajahmad Mirzaei. Also blacklisted are the Iranian Security Forces and Corps (LEF), as well as several of their local bosses for their role in the brutal suppression of the protests. Among those sanctioned is also Issa Zarepour, the Iranian Minister of Information Technology and Communications, for his responsibility in shutting down the internet.

The restrictive measures consist of the prohibition to travel to community territory and the freezing of their assets. In addition, EU citizens and companies are prohibited from making funds available to blacklisted individuals and entities.

The regime of sanctions against Iran for violating human rights also includes the ban on exporting to Iran equipment that can be used for internal repression and equipment for monitoring telecommunications. Following Monday’s decision, the list now comprises a total of 97 people and 8 entities.

Borrell has explained that the EU is gathering evidence on Russia’s alleged use of Iranian-supplied drones in the war against Ukraine, as its Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, has denounced. He has intervened in the meeting from a refuge in kyiv, which was suffering from a new wave of Russian bombing. If this is confirmed, the High Representative announces new measures against the Ayatollahs’ regime.

The foreign ministers of the EU have again condemned the widespread and disproportionate use of force by the Iranian regime against peaceful protesters, which they consider unjustifiable and unacceptable. “People in Iran, as in any other place, have the right to peacefully protest and this right must be guaranteed in all circumstances,” says the declaration approved at the end of the meeting.

“The EU expects Iran to immediately stop the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters, release detainees and ensure the free flow of information, including internet access. Furthermore, the EU expects Iran to clarify the number of dead and arrested, and provide due process to all detainees. The murder of Mahsa Amini must be properly investigated and anyone responsible for her death must be held accountable”, claim the heads of diplomacy of the 27.