U.S. impose sanctions against Iranian security forces for human rights abuses

[News_Editor]

U.S. impose sanctions against Iranian security forces for human rights abuses

2011-06-09 23:35:56 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- The United States Departments of the Treasury and State on Thursday imposed sanctions against Iranian security forces for human rights abuses since June 2009.

The measures targeted three entities and one individual involved in Iran's security apparatus for their participation in serious human rights abuses since the disputed presidential election.

"Nearly two years after Iran’s brave citizens took to the streets, the struggle for civil liberties and fundamental rights continues. Today, the United States has sanctioned three Iranian government entities complicit in the ongoing brutal repression," said U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Basij Resistance Force (Basij), and Iran's national police and its chief Ismail Ahmadi Moghadam were found responsibly by the U.S. of severe human rights violations.

"Today's action exposes Iran's willingness to turn the machinery of the state against its own people to violently suppress their democratic aspirations," said Office of Foreign Assets Control Director Adam Szubin. "As long as this denial of basic human rights continues, we will remain vigilant in our efforts to isolate those responsible from the international financial system."

The measures were imposed in pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13553, signed by President Obama in September 2010, which targets human rights abuses engaged in by Iranian officials and individuals acting on behalf the government.

As a result, any property in the U.S. or in the possession or control of American citizens in which the designees have an interest is blocked, and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. The designees are also subject to visa sanctions and restrictions.

"By designating the IRGC, the Basij and the national police, we demonstrate that law enforcement agencies not only have a responsibility to enforce the law but also live up to universal human rights commitments and Iran’s own constitution," said State Department Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Michael Posner.

The IRGC were formed by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. It was responsible for guarding and preserving the country's borders and stability after the revolution. In recent years, IRGC has involved with internal threats to the regime and suppressing political dissent since the contested elections, including the violent crackdowns on protests.

"Many of Iran’s own citizens - including founding members of the revolution - are being held as political prisoners merely for holding views contrary to Iran’s leaders. Iranians are being executed for crimes based on dubious charges and without the due process guaranteed under Iran’s constitution," added Clinton.

In October 2007, the U.S. Treasury Department previously designated IRGC for being proliferators and supporters of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The Basij Resistance Force is a paramilitary force subordinate to the IRGC.

Basij has been heavily involved in the violent crackdowns and serious human rights abuses occurring in Iran since June 2009. Its commander, Mohammed Reza Naqdi, was designated by the U.S. in February 2011.

The Iranian national police or Law Enforcement Forces (LEF) is in charge of maintaining domestic stability. LEF played a key role in the government crackdown on protesters in the aftermath for the polls in which President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was declared as winner.

"The United States stands with all Iranians who wish for a government that respects their human rights, their dignity and their freedom, and we call on the Iranian government to end its systematic human rights abuses and political hypocrisy," concluded Secretary Clinton.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-06-09

[johna]

So I guess America will be imposing sanctions against Bahrain soon.

Maybe close down the 5th fleet naval headquarters,

that will show them you are really serious about human rights

[Ulysses G.]

In other words, how could anyone criticize that swell bunch in Iran?

[Steely Dan]

So I guess America will be imposing sanctions against Bahrain soon.

Maybe close down the 5th fleet naval headquarters,

that will show them you are really serious about human rights

The U.S does from time to time criticize Bahrain.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/1122925/1/.html

However the scale and seriousness of Iran's behaviour warrants more severe action. Perhaps Iran could avoid the heat by offering a home for the U.S 5th fleet itself.

[geriatrickid]

So I guess America will be imposing sanctions against Bahrain soon.

Maybe close down the 5th fleet naval headquarters,

that will show them you are really serious about human rights

No need. The situation has calmed and all is well in beautiful Bahrain. Feel free to go and visit and report back.

[coma]

The double standard crack me up.

Pot this is kettle over......

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2005/jan/14/usa.richardnortontaylor

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/09/amnesty-international-hurricane-katrina-human-rights_n_531349.html

[coma]

So I guess America will be imposing sanctions against Bahrain soon.

Maybe close down the 5th fleet naval headquarters,

that will show them you are really serious about human rights

No need. The situation has calmed and all is well in beautiful Bahrain. Feel free to go and visit and report back.

I think they have or are about to pull the F1 Grand Prix that was rescheduled for the end of the season. So I guess it aint all beer and skittles in Bahrain.

[Wallaby]

The double standard crack me up.

Pot this is kettle over......

http://www.guardian....ardnortontaylor

http://www.huffingto...s_n_531349.html

Well it doesn't count when THEY do it.

[Scott]

I believe this thread is about Iran.