The United States has imposed sanctions on dozens of Iranian officials and entities accused of being involved in the “violent suppression” of anti-government protests that followed the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in Tehran last year.
The sanctions, which targeted top security officials and state-affiliated media outlets on Friday, came as the US and Iran are expected to exchange prisoners as early as next week as part of a newly announced deal.
The US penalties also coincide with the first anniversary of the death of Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who was arrested by Iranian police for violating the country’s conservative dress code.
The incident sparked weeks-long demonstrations across Iran that were met with a harsh crackdown by security forces. Iran has denied Amini was beaten or mistreated in detention.
“As we approach one year since Mahsa Amini’s tragic and senseless death in the custody of Iran’s so-called ‘Morality Police,’ we recall that the movement of men and women across Iran … was met with horrific violence,” US Treasury official Brian Nelson said in a statement.
US President Joe Biden also paid tribute to Amini on Friday, saying that she inspired a “historic movement” of people demanding gender equality and respect for human rights in Iran and around the world.
