The U.S. Sanctions Sadegh Larijani for Human Rights Violations

On Friday, January 12, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Sadegh Larijani, the head of Iran's judiciary, along with 13 other individuals and entities for human rights violations and support for Iran's missile and military programs. According to the U.S. Treasury website, Sadegh Larijani, Gholamreza Ziaei, the head of Rajai Shahr Prison, and several other entities were included in the sanctions list. The statement from the U.S. Treasury also mentioned that the Malaysian-based telecommunications company Wave Green and its head, Morteza Razavi, were also sanctioned. Steven Mnuchin, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, stated that the U.S. will not remain silent in the face of ongoing injustice and human rights violations in Iran, noting that Sadegh Larijani was sanctioned for violating the rights of Iranian citizens, including those imprisoned merely for exercising their right to peaceful assembly. Mnuchin's remarks refer to recent protests in Iran that began on December 28 in Mashhad and several other cities. Following these protests, Tehran and over 100 cities in Iran witnessed a week of demonstrations against the economic situation and government policies. During these protests, which featured strong slogans against the leaders and domestic and regional policies of the Islamic Republic, over 3,700 people were arrested, and at least 22 deaths have been confirmed. The U.S. Treasury Secretary further stated: 'We have also targeted Iran's ballistic missile program and destabilizing activities; the Iranian government prefers these programs and activities over the welfare and happiness of its people.' The report also indicated that the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, the National Cyberspace Center, the support and modernization of Iran's helicopters and aviation industries, and Rajai Shahr Prison have also been sanctioned. Concurrently with these sanctions, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, announced on Friday that he has extended the suspension of nuclear sanctions against Iran for another 120 days. However, Trump also stated that this would be the last time he extends the suspension of these sanctions, and the issues with the nuclear agreement with Iran must be corrected.