US sanctions Iranians over protest crackdown
October 6, 2022
The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on Iranian officials over crackdowns on protestors.
The country has seen weeks of widespread unrest over the death of Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini in police custody. Tehran has cracked down on the protests, leading to the death of dozens of demonstrators, and has restricted internet access.
What did the US say?
"The United States condemns the Iranian government's Internet shutdown and continued violent suppression of peaceful protest and will not hesitate to target those who direct and support such actions," US Under Secretary of the Treasury Brian Nelson said in a statement.
Among those sanctioned are Iranian Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi and Communications Minister Eisa Zarepour, as well as five other officials.
Days earlier, US President Joe Biden said Washington would increase costs on Iranian officials linked to violence against protestors.
Last month, the US imposed sanctions on Iran's morality police over allegations of abuse of women. Washington holds the unit responsible for the death of Amini, who had been detained for "inappropriate attire."
Tehran cracks down on protests
Rights groups have said thousands of people have been arrested and hundreds injured in Tehran's crackdown on the protests.
According to the Iran Huaman Rights organization, at least 150 people have died in connection with the protests.
Iran has accused foreign states of sparking the protests and has also reported numerous deaths among security forces.
sdi/sms (AP, AFP, Reuters)