US imposes sanctions on Iranian officials, judges over human rights violations

United States anunced sanctions of several Iranian officials and judges on September 24 over alleged gross violations of human rights. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Judge Seyyed Mahmoud Sadati, Judge Mohammad Soltani, Branch 1 of Revolutionary Court of Shiraz, and blacklisted Adel Abad, Orumiyeh, and Vakilabad Prisons. sanctions targeted a judge who sentenced Iranian wrestler Navid Afkari to death.

Earlier this month, Iran executed Navid Afkari, a young wrestler, for allegedly killing a man during anti-government protests back in 2018. US President Donald Trump had appealed Iran for a stay on 27-year-old wrestler’s execution. Afkari's arrest and subsequent sentencing sparked international outr and International Olympic Committee (IOC) called it “very sad news.” 

Pompeo said that wrestler was subjected to trials that were “rushed and grossly unfair” and he was reported being tortured by Iranian officials at Adel Abad Prison. Calling his execution an “unconscionable act”, State Secretary said that United States joins with nations around world in mourning Navid’s execution and condemning Iranian regime.

“Navid’s death must t be in vain: peace-loving nations should condemn his execution and Iran’s egregious human rights violations, and reaffirm respect for freedom, dignity, and equality of every person,” statement read.

Read: Iran Hangs 27-year-old Wrestler Navid Afkari Despite Trump's Appeal, Sparks Global Outr

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'Maximum pressure' policy

United States has intensified its “maximum pressure” campaign after declaring restoration of all sanctions relaxed under Iranian nuclear deal. On September 21, United States imposed new sanctions on Iran’s defence ministry and or individuals allegedly involved in its nuclear program.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told United Nations General Assembly on September 22 that United States impose “neir negotiations r war” on Islamic Republic. US-Iran relations quickly deteriorated after US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) in May 2018, calling it “worst deal ever”.

Read: US To Slap Sanctions On Iran’s Revolutionary Court Over Execution Of Navid Afkari: Reports

Read: 'US t In Position To Reimpose Iran Sanctions, Europe Won't Concur With Decision': Macron