Canada sanctions Iranians, entities for human rights violations, destabilizing activities

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Canada announced new sanctions Friday against Iran, targeting individuals and entities accused of human rights violations and destabilizing activities in the Middle East and beyond.

"Today, the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations against Iranian individuals and entities who have engaged in gross human rights violations against Iranian civilians and destabilizing activities in the Middle East region and globally," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The sanctions target three individuals -- Hossein Hatefi Ardakani, Mehdi Gogerdchian and Hossein Pourfarzaneh -- along with four entities -- Kavan Electronics Behrad, Basamad Electronic Pouya Engineering, Teyf Tadbir Engineering and Farzanegan Propulsion Systems Design Bureau -- for their alleged involvement in supplying technology to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and facilitating arms transfers to Russia.

"These new sanctions align with measures taken by Canada’s allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union," said the statement.

Ottawa has repeatedly denounced Iran's human rights record and its alleged support for terrorism.

"Iran and its proxies have heightened the risk of uncontrollable escalation and violence in the region through persistent attacks against neighboring states," it noted.