Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland today announced that the United States Government has designated two senior Iranian officials for their roles in committing serious human rights abuses against the Iranian people.
Ms. Nuland noted that both Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Hassan Firuzabadi and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Deputy Commander Abdullah al-Argahi bear personal responsibility, along with other conspirators, for the violent crackdown in the summer of 2009, which came as Iranians sought to peacefully express their civil and political rights as part of the Green Movement.
“This is the fourth time we have designated individuals and entities under human rights sanctioning authority provided in Executive Order 13553, which was signed by President Obama in September, 2010.” -Ms. Nuland
She noted that U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the two designated individuals and any assets they may have under U.S. jurisdiction are frozen. The designees are also subject to visa sanctions by the Department of State.
She stressed that the designations are a sign of the United States’ steadfast support for the people of Iran as they continue to seek accountability from the Iranian government and freedom from abuse by senior Iranian officials.
