U.S. sanctions Syrian and Iranian security forces over human rights abuses

[News_Editor]

U.S. sanctions Syrian and Iranian security forces over human rights abuses

2011-06-30 02:22:22 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- The United States Treasury Department on Wednesday the designation of Syrian and Iranian security forces for their involvement in human rights abuses during the violent crackdown on protesters in Syria.

The Syrian Political Security Directorate, one of the four major branches of Syria’s security forces, was designated for engaging in the commission of human rights abuses.

"Today's action builds on the Administration’s efforts to pressure President al-Assad and his regime to end the use of wanton violence and begin transitioning to a system that ensures the universal rights of the Syrian people," said Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David Cohen.

Furthermore, the Iranian Law Enforcement Forces (LEF), chief Ismail Ahmadi Moghadam and deputy chief Ahmad-Reza Radan were also designated for providing support to the Syrian regime.

The Syrian Air Force Intelligence, one of Syria's four main intelligence agencies, was also sanctioned pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13572 and 13573 which targets Syrian officials and others responsible for human rights abuses.

"Also today we are exposing further Iran’s provision of its military and security forces to support the Syrian government’s ongoing violence and repression of the Syrian people," added Cohen.

The Syrian Political Security Directorate is subordinate to the Ministry of Interior. In March, armed members of the security body opened fire on protestors who marched on the house of Dar'a Governor Faisal Kalthoum.

In late April, protesters in Nawa marched toward the Directorate's office asking for the release of two demonstrators detained by security forces but fifteen law agents opened fire on them, killing at least four people and injuring eight more.

In addition, the U.S. Treasury Department designated the two Iranian officials after they provided expertise to aid in the Syrian government's crackdown on protesters in Damascus last April.

The U.S. first exposed Iran's support to the Syrian government in April by designating Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - Qods Force (IRGC-QF) for collaborating with the Syrian General Intelligence Directorate (GID).

Wednesday's designation of LEF, commonly known as the Iranian national police, stemmed from the deployment of some of its service members to Damascus for assisting the Syrian government in suppressing demonstrations.

In mid-March, pro-democracy demonstrations began in Syria and have continued across the country, which has been ruled by the Baath Party since 1963. Protesters are demanding the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, who took over his father in 2000.

Last week, Assad said that the recent events in the country are a conspiracy against national unity. The Syrian government has repeatedly claimed that the violent acts have been instigated by terrorists who use military uniforms and weaponry to pose as soldiers while attacking citizens.

However, the European Union, the United Nations and other international agencies have reported the killing of about 1,600 protesters due to the violent crackdown on demonstration by security personnel.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-06-30

[Steely Dan]

Calling all those sensitive caring sorts who seem so upset by middle east atrocities, you are invited to come and use your big emotive words such as genocide...

[Ulysses G.]

No biggie in Syria and Iran.

[mjnaus]

... I sanction the US for excessive human rights violations for the past decade throughout the middle east.

Edited June 30, 2011 by mjnaus

[maidu]

... I sanction the US for excessive human rights violations for the past decade throughout the middle east.

In regard to what - to liberating Kuwait from Iraqi military occupation?

For kicking Saddam Hussein through the goal posts of he!!?

For responding firmly to NY's Twin Towers being hit - and kicking the Taliban out of Kabul?

Anyone up for a bit of friendly mud-wrestling?

[kuffki]

Hmmm, still not a word from the usual "freedom" fighters