Due to serious human rights violations in Iran, the EU has imposed further sanctions on the state.
The foreign ministers of the 27 member states unanimously took new punitive measures in Brussels on Monday against those responsible in the country, several diplomats from the German news agency confirmed.
In concrete terms, it would involve about 20 people and an organisation. Further sanctions were also issued against Iran for supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine.
According to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, the punitive measures also apply to those responsible for the most recent executions. The sanctions package is particularly aimed at those responsible for “these incredible crimes”, the Greens politician said shortly before the decision on Monday. These are mainly the Revolutionary Guards, but also those who try to intimidate or further punish people with violent videos.
Executions without trial
Baerbock described the executions associated with the protests as a blatant attempt to intimidate people who took their views to the streets. They took place without due process.
Shortly before the start of the meeting of foreign ministers, it was announced that the Iranian authorities had executed a second demonstrator during the systemic protests. According to justice, Majid-Reza R., accused of “waging war against God”, was publicly hanged on Monday in the northeastern city of Mashad. The man allegedly killed two members of the notorious paramilitary Basij militia with a knife during the November protests.
The rap musician Mohsen S. had already been executed last Thursday. His execution was the first known in connection with the systemic protests since mid-September. Mohsen S. is said to have attacked a Basij member with a gun, sowing terror and blocking a road.
The reason for the nationwide protests was the death of the Iranian Kurd Jina Mahsa Amini. She died in police custody on September 16 after being arrested by vice squad for violating Islamic dress code. Since her death, tens of thousands have demonstrated across the country against the government’s repressive course and Islamic rule system. (SDA)