Designation of Iranian Officials Due to Involvement in Gross Violations of Human Rights

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Today at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, we made clear our concerns about the abuses the Iranian government continues to perpetrate against its citizens, including the unjust detention of far too many in deplorable conditions.  The United States is committed to promoting accountability for those responsible for such actions.  Therefore, I am announcing the designation of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) interrogators Ali Hemmatian and Masoud Safdari pursuant to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2021 for their involvement in gross violations of human rights, namely the torture and/or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment (CIDTP) of political prisoners and persons detained during protests in 2019 and 2020 in Iran.  These individuals and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States.

We will continue to consider all appropriate tools to impose costs on those responsible for human rights violations and abuses in Iran.  We will also work with our allies to promote accountability for such violations and abuses.  The United States will continue to support the rights of people in Iran and demand the Iranian government treat its people with respect and dignity.