Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
On the eve of the first anniversary of the death of Mahsa “Zhina” Amini at the hands of Iranian security forces, the United States is designating 25 Iranian individuals, three Iranian state-backed media outlets, and one Iranian internet research firm in connection with the Iranian regime’s violent suppression of nationwide protests following her death. We are taking this action in coordination with the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other partners who are also imposing sanctions this week. This is the United States’ 13th round of sanctions designations in response to the regime’s brutal crackdown on protests.
The United States is also taking steps to impose visa restrictions on 13 Iranian officials and other individuals for their involvement in the detention or killing of peaceful protestors or the inhibition of their rights to freedom of expression or assembly. Since Mahsa Amini’s death and the protests that followed, we have pursued visa restrictions on 40 Iranian officials and other individuals for their involvement in these acts targeting peaceful protestors.
One year ago, Mahsa’s tragic and senseless death in the custody of Iran’s so-called “Morality Police” sparked demonstrations across Iran that were met with unspeakable violence, mass arrests, systemic internet disruptions and censorship by the Iranian regime. We will continue to take appropriate action, alongside our international partners, to hold accountable those who suppress Iranians’ exercise of human rights.
Today’s sanctions actions are taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13553, which imposes sanctions on certain persons with respect to serious human rights abuses by the Government of Iran; E.O. 13846, which authorizes sanctions on persons who engage in censorship or other activities with respect to Iran; and the counterterrorism authority E.O. 13224, as amended. For more information on these designations, see Treasury’s press release.
