Canada imposes new sanctions on Iranian officials over human rights abuses
Canada has imposed new sanctions on four senior Iranian officials, citing their involvement in what the federal government describes as gross and systematic human rights violations.
Canada has imposed new sanctions on four senior Iranian officials, citing their involvement in what the federal government describes as gross and systematic human rights violations.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced Monday that the sanctions were enacted under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations, targeting officials accused of facilitating and directing repressive state policies.
Those sanctioned are Mohsen Karimi, Ahmad Kadem Seyedoshohada, Mustafa Mohebbi, and Hassan Akharian.
Global Affairs Canada said the individuals played significant roles in Iran’s crackdown on protests and dissent, including actions carried out by security forces such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Ottawa says those forces have used excessive and, in some cases, lethal force against demonstrators, while restricting freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
The department cited reports from human rights organizations and United Nations experts documenting beatings, arbitrary arrests and torture, including abuses committed against detainees.
With the latest measures, Canada has now implemented 18 rounds of sanctions against Iranian officials and entities since October 2022. Ottawa says more than 210 individuals and 254 Iranian entities linked to the regime have been sanctioned to date.
Global Affairs Canada said Ottawa will continue to press Iran to investigate abuses, hold perpetrators accountable and comply with its international human rights obligations.
Iran has been designated by Canada as a state supporter of terrorism since 2012. That designation, combined with the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act, allows victims to pursue civil litigation against the Iranian state for terrorism-related losses.
Canada has no formal diplomatic relations with Iran, having severed ties in 2012 under former prime minister Stephen Harper’s government.
The latest sanctions follow earlier statements by Anand at the United Nations in September, where she said Canada supports triggering the “snapback” mechanism under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal to reimpose UN sanctions unless Tehran complies with its nuclear obligations. At the time, Anand said Canada “reiterates that Iran must never be allowed to have nuclear weapons.”