EU imposes new sanctions on Iran over protest crackdown and Russia drone sales
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Raven Ruma
- . December 13, 2022
- . Update: December 13, 2022 4:55 pm
The European Union (EU) imposed new sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran over its crackdown on anti-government and anti-hijab protests as well as its drone deliveries to Russia in the war against Ukraine.
The Ministers of the EU of Foreign Affairs imposed new sanctions on Iranian religious leaders, senior officials and state media employees over human rights abuses. The ministers added 20 individuals and one entity to the bloc’s sanctions list over human rights abuses. Reportedly, four more people and as many entities were added to the bloc’s sanctions list in relation to drone supplies to Russia. Their assets would be frozen and they would not be allowed to travel to EU countries.
EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell reportedly said, “We will take any action we can to support young women and peaceful demonstrators.”
In a statement, the EU ministers condemned “the use of force by the Iranian authorities against peaceful protesters.” They slammed Iran over its “violent” crackdown on protesters, including Iranian women and children. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned violence against people.
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Recently, Iran executed two men, who were arrested during the nationwide protests. They were convicted on the charge of “moharebeh” (war against God). Two men, identified as Mohsen Shekari and Majidreza Rahnavard, were executed in the Islamic nation.
The ministers also slammed Iran for supplying drones to Russia, saying the “weapons provided by Iran were used by Russian forces against Ukrainians.”
Western powers have repeatedly accused Iran of supplying a number of drones to Russia. However, Iran has said it shipped a small number of drones to Russia before its invasion of Ukraine. Russia also denied using Iranian drones to attack Ukraine.
The EU reportedly said it had evidence that Iran sold drones to Russia after the war began in February this year.
