Canada sanctions entities and individuals over human rights abuses

OTTAWA, October 3, 2022 — Canada imposed new sanctions on individuals and entities in Iran under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations, citing gross human rights violations, including the systematic persecution of women and actions by Iran’s so-called Morality Police linked to the death of Mahsa Amini while in custody.

The listings target senior Iranian officials and entities that Canada said directly implement repressive measures, violate human rights, and spread state propaganda and misinformation. Those named include senior figures in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Quds Force, the Ministry of Intelligence and Security, Iran’s Morality Police, and Evin Prison.

The measures prohibit dealings involving the listed individuals and entities and effectively freeze any assets they may hold in Canada. Individuals listed in response to gross and systematic human rights violations also become inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Global Affairs Canada said the new sanctions build on Canada’s existing Iran sanctions regime. Before this action, Canada had sanctioned 41 Iranian individuals and 161 Iranian entities, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and parts of Iran’s security, intelligence, and economic apparatus.

Canada said the action was also part of its broader response to Iran’s ongoing breaches of international law and referred to the families and loved ones of the victims of the downing of Flight PS752.