Canada slaps new sanctions on Russia, Iran, Myanmar

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) - Canada has slapped new sanctions on Russia, Iran, and Myanmar due to the continued “trampling of human rights,” Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced on Friday.

“Canada is imposing sanctions against 33 current or former senior officials and six entities involved in gross and systematic human rights violations against Russian citizens who protested against the Russian regime’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and anti-democratic policies,” read a statement from Global Affairs Canada.

Twelve people and three entities performing key functions for the Myanmar military regime were also sanctioned, as were 22 individuals “complicit in gross and systematic human rights violations” in Iran.

“Dignity, freedom and justice are pillars of Canada’s foreign policy," Joly said.

“As the world witnesses the trampling of human rights of people in places such as Russia, Iran and Myanmar, we are reminded that we can only create change by standing up and defending the values that we hold dear.”

Along with the measures Joly announced, Canada and the US also enacted coordinated sanctions against Iranian officials on Friday.

They included those who engaged in human rights abuses “committed as part of the ongoing brutal crackdown aimed at denying the Iranian people their human rights and fundamental freedoms,” read a statement.

The joint sanctions come after reports that security forces have killed hundreds of Iranian demonstrators, including dozens of children, during protests ignited by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the country’s morality.

“There is more work to be done, but Canada will never stop standing up for human rights,” Joly said.​​​​​