Canada Sanctions Tehran Metro CEO and a Member of Parliament for 'Ongoing Violations' of Iranian Women's Rights

On Friday, March 8, coinciding with International Women's Day, the Canadian government announced sanctions against Massoud Dorosti, the CEO of Tehran Metro, and Zahra Elhian, a member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, for their involvement in the suppression of Iranian citizens, particularly women and girls. According to a statement from the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the sanctions were imposed 'in response to the ongoing severe and systematic violations of human rights, especially of women and girls, and the Iranian regime's continued actions to destabilize peace and security in the region.' The statement further adds that Massoud Dorosti was sanctioned for enforcing the mandatory hijab law in public transportation, while Zahra Elhian was sanctioned for supporting the execution of protesters from the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement. Melanie Joly, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated regarding the seventeenth sanctions package against officials and institutions of the Islamic Republic since the protests following the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini that her country will always defend the rights of women and girls. She pointed out the Iranian regime's use of brutal and violent tactics against women, saying, 'Our message is clear: this [practice] must end.' The Minister promised that Canada would continue to raise awareness about these severe human rights violations and call for accountability for those responsible. Following reports about the presence of women in chadors at Tehran Metro stations reminding opponents of the hijab, some state media defended this action. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and European countries have imposed dozens of sanctions against individuals and institutions responsible for suppressing Iranian protesters since the start of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' protests.