Iran protests: EU plans sanctions over government crackdown

Six European Union (EU) nations have submitted proposals for new EU sanctions against Iran following the government’s violent crackdown on protests over women’s rights.

A German foreign ministry source said on Monday that  Germany, France, Denmark, Spain, Italy, and the Czech Republic submitted 16 proposals to the EU.

The source said the proposed measures would target people and institutions primarily responsible for the clampdown on the nationwide protests ignited by the death of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody.

Those proposing the sanctions are aiming for the EU foreign ministers to decide on them at their meeting on October 17.

“We are now working flat out to implement these proposals,” the source said.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Monday that Iran’s suppression of protests was “an expression of sheer fear of education and the power of freedom” and promised sanctions.

“It is also difficult to bear that our foreign policy options are limited. But we can amplify their voice, create publicity, and bring charges, and sanctions. And that we are doing,” Baerbock tweeted.

Also Read: Iran Security Forces Clash with Protesters Over Amini’s Death

The anti-government protests began at 22-year-old Mahsa Amini’s funeral on September 17 in the Kurdish town of Saqez.

The protests have spiraled into the biggest show of opposition to Iran’s authorities in years, with many calling for the end of more than four decades of Islamic clerical rule.

Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based group, said more than 100 people have been killed.

Last week state television said 41 people died, including members of the security forces.

Iranian authorities have not given a death toll while saying many members of the security forces have been killed by “rioters and thugs backed by foreign foes”.

Zainab Sa’id