Canada sanctions judges of Iran’s Revolutionary Courts for human rights violations

June 19, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations. This is the 12th package of sanctions imposed by Canada against the Iranian regime since October 2022, and it builds on Canada’s efforts to align with designations announced by the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States.

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. As an institution closely tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Ministry of Intelligence, the Revolutionary Courts are notorious for issuing death sentences and harsh prison terms following sham trials and based on evidence gathered under torture.

The list of those sanctioned includes:

• Morteza Barati, Judge, Esfahan Revolutionary Court
• Hadi Mansouri, Judge, Mashhad Revolutionary Court
• Musa Asif Al Hosseini, Judge, Karaj Revolutionary Court
• Seyed Mahmoud Sadati, Judge, Shiraz Revolutionary Court
• Mehrdad Tahamtan, Shiraz Advisory Judge of the Criminal Court
• Mohammad Moghiseh, Judge, Supreme Court – Tehran Revolutionary Court
• Heidar Asiyabi, Judge, Gorgan Revolutionary Court

Today’s measures prohibit dealings with these listed individuals, effectively freezing any assets they may hold in Canada. Individuals listed in response to gross and systematic violations of human rights are also inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Canada unequivocally opposes the use of the death penalty in all cases, everywhere. It is a form of punishment that is incompatible with human rights and human dignity. We will continue pressing the Iranian regime to address the legitimate grievances of its people, including respecting their human rights and freedoms and their ability to live and prosper in a society free from state-sponsored fear, suppression, intimidation and violence.