Canada sanctions Iranian judges over alleged human rights abuses

The Iranian flag is seen flying over a street in Tehran, Iran, February 1, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS/File Photo

The Canadian government on Monday said it sanctioned Iranian judges over alleged human rights abuses, adding that the step would prohibit dealings with them and freeze any assets they may have held in Canada.

“Today’s sanctions list 7 individuals for their role in gross and systematic human rights violations in Iran’s criminal justice system, notably Iran’s Revolutionary Courts,” the Canadian government said in a statement.

Canada said the judges and their courts had issued “notorious” death sentences and harsh prison terms following “sham trials and based on evidence gathered under torture.”