Financial news

Australia imposes sanctions against Iran over human rights violations and material support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – JURIST

Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Penny Wong Monday announced that Australia is imposing sanctions against Iran over the country’s human rights violations amid ongoing protests against the death of Mahsa Amini. The sanctions will also target Iran’s supply of drones to Russia amid the invasion of Ukraine.Wong said that Australia was applying “targeted financial sanctions and travel bans” on 27 individuals and 15 entities with ties to the Iranian government. Among those sanctioned, 14 entities and 14 individuals are being targeted over their role in recent human rights abuses. Wong added, “Sanctioned targets … include senior law enforcement, political and military figures, including within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, involved in the violent crackdown on protests following the death of Ms Amini and the continued oppression of the people of Iran.” Four members of Iran’s Morality Police who are allegedly responsible for the death of Zhina Mahasa Amini are also subject to the new sanctions.Amini, who was 22 years of age, was arrested and detained for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly. Three days later, she died in police custody. Her death is believed to have been the result of police brutality, generating months-long nationwide protests.Wong further said that the Australian government is targeting 13 individuals and one entity involved in the supply of drones from Iran to Russia, commenting, “Iranian-made drones have been used by Russia to target Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure. This listing demonstrates that there will be consequences for those who provide material support to Russia. Australia stands with the people of Iran and with the people of Ukraine.”Amnesty International reported last week that Iranian authorities were torturing, beating and sexually abusing civilians as young as 12 involved in the protests. Human Rights Watch reported in January that 522 protesters, including 70 children, have been killed since September.