Australia Imposes Sanctions On Iran For Human Rights Violations

On the occasion of the first anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, the Australian government has taken action to further sanction Iran for its human rights abuses.

It is the first time targeted financial sanctions and travel bans have been put in place on regime figures under the recently expanded Iran autonomous sanctions framework.

The sanctions, designed to address the ongoing oppression faced by Iranians, especially women and girls, will target four individuals and three entities directly involved in systemic rights abuses.

Among the sanctioned individuals is Saeed Montazerolmahdi, the spokesperson for Iran's Law Enforcement Forces, who has repeatedly used intimidating and threatening language towards Iranian women and girls alleged to have violated Iran's mandatory veiling laws.

The targeted entities include Iran's Cyber Police, which plays a central role in stifling freedom of expression by restricting internet activity in Iran. Additionally, Press TV, the state-backed TV channel, has come under scrutiny for broadcasting forced confessions of Iranians and dual-nationals who face politically motivated judicial procedures.

Australia also reiterated its commitment to taking measured and effective action against those responsible for egregious human rights violations in Iran.

The Australian government further called upon the Iranian regime to hold accountable those responsible for the death of Mahsa Amini, one year on, nobody still held accountable for her murder in morality police custody.