AJC Welcomes President Obama's Action Imposing Sanctions on Iranian Regime Officials

NEW YORK, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC welcomed President Obama's signing of an Executive Order authorizing the Departments of State and Treasury to impose sanctions on eight Iranian government officials tied to human rights abuses against Iranian citizens.

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"Significantly, these are the first U.S. sanctions imposed on the Iranian regime for the abuse of human rights," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "The eight individuals targeted are top officials of the regime who played key roles in the repression following the stolen election last year."

The eight officials are now on a blacklist that, among other measures, will prevent them from obtaining U.S. visas. The new measures were adopted as a result of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010.  "The list of names is not exhaustive and will continue to grow based on events in Iran, and as additional information and evidence becomes available," said the White House in a statement.

"With the Iranian regime viciously stifling dissent at home, while pursuing a dangerous nuclear program and supporting terrorism, it is vital that the Iranian people know that America stands with them against those who would suppress them," said Harris. "Today's executive order is a welcome and needed demonstration of the Obama Administration's commitment to defending human rights in Iran."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee