Designation of Iranian Officials and Entities Connected to Ongoing Protest Repression, Censorship, and Prison Abuses
ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE
OCTOBER 26, 2022
It has been 40 days since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa “Zhina” Amini in the custody of Iran’s so-called “Morality Police.” We join her family and the Iranian people for a day of mourning and reflection.
In the past 40 days, Iranian authorities have killed hundreds more in a brutal crackdown to suppress peaceful protests sparked by Mahsa’s death, including many more young women and girls. Their bravery in continuing to lead protests in the face of this crackdown is an inspiration to the world.
On this day, we are announcing a joint action between the State and Treasury Departments designating fourteen individuals and three entities using five different authorities.
These newly sanctioned individuals and entities represent a range of those responsible for Iran’s repression: there are senior leaders of the security apparatus, mid-level officials who may have believed that they could commit abuses against their neighbors while preserving their anonymity, and organizations and individuals who have attacked the Iranian people’s ability to use the internet to communicate with each other and the world.
This list includes a cyber training institute that helps Iran’s ministry of intelligence recruit and train personnel involved in hacking and disrupting the communications of those protesting against the Iranian regime.
Peaceful protests by large numbers of Iranians are now well into their second month, as is the Iranian regime’s attempts to violently suppress them. The regime’s ongoing, violent crackdown, pervasive surveillance of citizens, and disruption of communications are the latest reminders of the Islamic Republic’s flagrant disregard for the fundamental freedoms and human rights of Iranians. We will continue to find practical ways to support the people of Iran as they peacefully protest for their human rights in the face of brutal repression.
