Six European Countries Propose 16 Sanctions Against Iran in Response to Crackdown on Protests
Reuters reported that Germany, France, Denmark, Spain, Italy, and the Czech Republic have submitted a package of 16 sanctions proposals against the Islamic Republic of Iran due to the violent suppression of public protests in Iran.
The news agency reported on Monday, October 2, citing sources in Germany’s Foreign Ministry that the sanctions will target individuals and institutions responsible for the widespread crackdown on public protests.
German news magazine Der Spiegel, which first reported on such a plan, wrote that the proposed sanctions package is expected to be approved at the October 17 meeting of European Union foreign ministers in two weeks, and approval is not expected to face resistance from any EU member state.
A source told the outlet that we are working to implement these proposals.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also on Monday, emphasizing the imposition of new sanctions against the Islamic Republic, announced via a tweet that the suppression of protests in Iran is a sign of “absolute terror” by the Islamic Republic towards education and freedom of speech.
She referred to limitations in the European Union’s foreign policy options and said that nevertheless, we can amplify the voices of protesters and make them heard by all: “We can accuse and sanction, and we will do everything we can.”
Ms. Baerbock had also announced on September 28 that Berlin will do everything to approve European Union sanctions against those who suppress women in Iran.
The United States and Canada have imposed sanctions against Iran in response to Mahsa Amini’s death in custody of the morality police.
The morality police, known in Iran as the “Gasht-e Ershad,” is accused of killing Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who was arrested on charges of improper hijab.
Since protests over Ms. Amini’s death, security and law enforcement forces have acted with intensity and violence against protesters.
The Iran Human Rights Organization on September 30 condemned the killing of protesters in various Iranian cities, particularly the recent massacre in Zahedan, in “the strongest possible terms” and announced that the death toll from suppressions over the past two weeks has reached 133 people.
Source: Radio Farda
