British sanctions have been imposed on senior Iranian security and political officials – and the so-called vice police – following the death of Mahsa Amini in custody.
The 22-year-old died in custody last month after being held for alleged violations of the country’s strict dress code.
In response, the UK sanctioned the country’s vice police as a whole, along with its chief Mohammed Rostami Cheshmeh Gachi and Tehran Division Chief Haj Ahmed Mirzaei.
The UK is also today imposing sanctions on five senior politicians and security officials in Iran for committing serious human rights abuses.
These include:
• Gholamreza Soleimani, the leader of the Basij Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
• Hassan Karami, the commander of the NAJA special forces unit of the Iranian police
• Hossein Ashtari, the commander-in-chief of the Iranian police
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said: “The UK stands with the people of Iran who are courageously demanding accountability for their government and respect for their fundamental human rights.
“These sanctions send a clear message to the Iranian authorities – we will hold you accountable for your repression of women and girls and the shocking violence you have inflicted on your own people.”
