In a key development that underscores the European Union's commitment to human rights advocacy and financial regulation, the Council of the European Union has expanded its sanctions against Iran. Seven new individuals, accused of orchestrating serious human rights violations, have been added to the restrictive measures list as per Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/LI 160/1 of 26 June 2023. This step reflects the EU's response to a series of concerning incidents in Iran, including suppression of non-violent protestors, restriction of internet access, and the controversial handling of the killing of Mahsa Amini.
The following persons have been added to the restrictive measures list:
1. Seyyed Mohammad Mousvian: As the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of Isfahan Province, Mousvian held significant responsibility for the trials and subsequent executions of several protestors. Mousvian also issued indictments against Iranian music artist Toomaj Salehi for his participation in anti-government protests.
2. Ali Zare Nouri: Serving as the Deputy Judge of and advisor to the Provincial Criminal Court of Isfahan Province, Nouri was directly involved in the trials and executions of protestors.
3. Seyyed Nader Safavi Mirmahalleh: As the governor and head of Rezvanshahr Security Council in Gilan Province, Mirmahalleh ordered officers to open fire on protestors during Iran’s 2022–2023 nationwide protests, resulting in numerous casualties.
4. Seyyed Khalil Safavi: As the Police Commander of Rezvanshahr in Gilan Province, Safavi held a crucial role in the police response to protests in late September 2022, which resulted in several deaths and injuries.
5. Seyyed Abbas Hosseini: As Governor of Amol, Hosseini is responsible for the deaths of two young protesters in September 2022 by government forces.
6. Mojtaba Fada: As the commander of IRGC forces in Isfahan province, Fada oversaw the actions of security forces during anti-government protests in 2022.
7. Rashid Kaboudvandi: Kaboudvandi, the commander of the Imam Hossein Guards Corps of Karaj, Alborz Province, is implicated in the detention, killing, and reported sexual assault of protestors.
The addition of these individuals to the EU's sanctions list is pertinent and significant as it strengthens the international stance against human rights violations. Financial institutions and businesses operating within the EU jurisdiction are legally bound to adhere to these sanctions. Non-compliance could lead to severe legal and reputational consequences.
To ensure compliance, financial institutions are advised to:
Maintain up-to-date information on sanctioned individuals and entities.
Regularly screen transactions and clients against sanctioned lists.
Incorporate strict due diligence procedures to ensure no indirect transactions with sanctioned individuals.
Train employees to understand sanctions and their implications.
If a client transacts with these individuals or any associated entities, financial institutions should immediately freeze such accounts and report to the competent EU authorities. In case of mere associations, enhanced due diligence should be conducted to understand the nature and extent of the connection and, if one of the abovementioned individuals is in control or significant influences the operations of a client or movement of funds, external AML/Sanctions or legal advice is encouraged.
As the situation evolves, remaining alert to updates and regulatory changes is crucial. By doing so, financial institutions will not only safeguard their operations from reputational and financial risks, but also contribute to the broader global effort to uphold human rights and peace.
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