Canada Sanctions Iranian judges over “Gross” Rights Abuses

The Canadian government says it has sanctioned seven Revolutionary Court judges for their role in “gross and systematic human rights abuses.” 

“As an institution closely tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Ministry of Intelligence, the Revolutionary Courts are notorious for issuing death sentences and harsh prison terms following sham trials and based on evidence gathered under torture,” the Canadian government said in a statement on June 19.

The measures prohibit dealings with those targeted by the sanctions and freeze any assets they may have held in Canada. The individuals listed are also banned from entering the country.

Canada has joined the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States in imposing several rounds of sanctions against the Islamic Republic over its bloody crackdown on months of anti-government demonstrations sparked by the September 2022 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of morality police. Amini had been arrested for allegedly wearing a hijab improperly.

Activists say more than 520 people have been killed and over 20,000 others have been detained in connection with the protests so far. Following unlawful detentions and biased trials, the judiciary has handed down stiff sentences, including the death penalty, to protesters.

“More than six months ago, the Iranian people demanded change,” Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly said. “They issued a call that was heard around the world and asked the Iranian regime to respect their human rights and freedom. Yet, the regime has yet to respond and, instead, is increasing its use of execution, suppression and intimidation. Canada will continue to support the Iranian people and we will use the tools at our disposal to respond to Iran’s egregious actions.”