Canada Sanctions 4 Iranian Officials for Human Rights Violations
Summary
Global Affairs Canada announced sanctions against 4 Iranian senior officials under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations for involvement in gross and systematic human rights violations. The individuals—Mohsen Karimi, Ahmad Kadem Seyedoshohada, Mustafa Mohebbi, and Hassan Akharian—have facilitated and directed repressive policies against protesters and dissidents. This marks Canada's 18th round of sanctions against Iran since October 2022.
What changed
Canada has added 4 Iranian senior officials to its sanctions list under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations. These individuals are connected to the IRGC and Iranian security forces responsible for suppressing protests, arbitrary arrests, beatings, and torture. The sanctions prohibit any dealings with these individuals and entities owned or controlled by them.
Affected parties including businesses, financial institutions, and individuals engaged with Iran should ensure their screening and compliance systems reflect these additions. With over 210 Iranian individuals and 254 entities now sanctioned by Canada, the cumulative compliance burden for Iran-related transactions continues to increase.
What to do next
- Review sanctions list to confirm whether any counterparties or relationships with designated individuals exist
- Update compliance screening systems to flag the newly designated Iranian officials
- Monitor for further rounds of Canadian sanctions against Iran
Penalties
Under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations, dealings with designated individuals are prohibited and may result in criminal prosecution, fines, or imprisonment.
Archived snapshot
Apr 8, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Minister Anand announces additional sanctions against Iran
From: Global Affairs Canada
News release
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions against 4 individuals under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.
December 15 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions against 4 individuals under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.
These individuals, all Iranian senior officials, have been involved in gross and systematic human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran), and have had a significant role in facilitating and directing repressive policies.
The four individuals are:
- Mohsen Karimi
- Ahmad Kadem Seyedoshohada
- Mustafa Mohebbi
- Hassan Akharian Iran continues to crack down on protests and dissent in violation of international human rights obligations. Security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have used excessive and lethal force to suppress protests, restricting Iranians’ rights to freedom of opinion and expression and peaceful assembly and association, among others. Reports from human rights organizations and United Nations experts have documented extensive violations, beatings, arbitrary arrests and torture, including for those in custody.
With today’s announcement, Canada has imposed 18 rounds of sanctions since October 2022 against Iranian officials and entities responsible for human rights violations. This announcement coincides with Canada’s leadership, for the 23rd consecutive year, of the resolution on the human rights situation in Iran at the United Nations General Assembly. Canada will not hesitate to highlight Iran’s persistent disregard for human rights of its own people and call for change. It is imperative that Iran investigate all violations in line with international law, ensure justice for victims, and make certain that its policies and practices uphold its human rights obligations.
Quick facts
- With these latest measures, Canada has now sanctioned more than 210 Iranian individuals and 254 Iranian entities.
- In 2012, Canada designated Iran as a state supporter of terrorism under the State Immunity Act. This designation, in conjunction with the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act, allows victims to bring civil action against Iran for losses or damages resulting from an act of terrorism linked to Iran and committed anywhere in the world.
- Since 2003, Canada has led the annual United Nations General Assembly resolution on the human rights situation in Iran, working with more than 40 co-sponsors to secure broad international support. This resolution remains a central element of international efforts to draw attention to Iran’s human rights situation and press for improvements.
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2025-12-15
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