On October 10, 2022, the UK sanctioned Iran’s so-called “Morality Police” in its entirety as well as its chief Mohammed Rostami Cheshmeh Gachi and the Head of the Tehran Division Haj Ahmed Mirzaei under The Iran (Sanctions) (Human Right)(EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/134), in response to the death of Mahsa Amini following her arrest by the Morality Police – an act which has sparked protests across Iran. The UK also sanctioned five political and security officials in Iran for committing serious human rights violations in connection with security forces’ alleged use of live ammunition against protestors, efforts to blockade students at the Sharif University and the burying of protestors killed by security forces without the families’ knowledge. Among those sanctioned are leaders of the organizations responsible for the violent crackdown on protestors, including the head of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Basij force, Commander of the NAJA Special Forces Unit of the Iranian police, and the Commander-in-chief of the Iranian police. The restrictive measures imposed by the UK include asset freezes and travel bans.
UK government press release | OFSI Financial Sanction Notice – Iran (Human Rights)