US sanctions 12 Iranian officials for human rights abuses

On Wednesday, the United States imposed sanctions on 12 Iranian officials due to their involvement in severe human rights violations, including violent crackdowns on protesters and torture of prisoners. This action coincided with the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death, which ignited widespread protests across Iran. The Iranian government has intensified its repression of peaceful demonstrators as the anniversary approaches, highlighting ongoing human rights abuses under the current regime. The sanctions specifically target members of Iran's security forces responsible for the violent suppression of protests in 2022. Among those sanctioned is Hamid Khorramdel, a commander in the IRGC, who has been implicated in coercing confessions from activists. Additionally, Mustafa Bazvand led forces that killed at least one individual and arrested journalists during the protests. Four officials linked to human rights abuses in Iranian prisons were also sanctioned. Alireza Babaei Farsani oversees a prison where rapper Toomaj Salehi was tortured, while Ahmad Reza Azadeh is responsible for a facility where a protest participant faces imminent execution. Reports indicate that prisoners in these facilities have suffered torture, inadequate medical care, and violence from guards. Lastly, the sanctions include officials involved in targeting dissidents abroad, such as Yahya Hosseini Panjaki, who was linked to an attempted bombing in Paris. The U.S. aims to ensure that the Iranian populace has access to information and the internet, emphasizing its commitment to supporting human rights and holding violators accountable.