Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/584 of 12 April 2021 implementing Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Iran
Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/584of 12 April 2021implementing Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in IranTHE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,Having regard to Council Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 of 12 April 2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in IranOJ L 100, 14.4.2011, p. 1., and in particular Article 12(1) thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,Whereas:(1)On 12 April 2011 the Council adopted Regulation (EU) No 359/2011.(2)On 8 December 2019 the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a declaration on behalf of the Union deploring the widespread and disproportionate use of force by the Iranian security forces, which led to high numbers of deaths and injuries during the response to the November 2019 demonstrations. The declaration also spelled out that the Union expects all perpetrators of violence to be held accountable and called on the Iranian authorities to ensure transparent and credible investigations to clarify the number of deaths and arrested, and to provide due process to all detainees. Furthermore, in reaction to Iran’s decision to shut down internet access to global networks for over a week, preventing communication and the free flow of information for Iranian citizens, the declaration stressed that fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and assembly, must always be respected.(3)In this context, and in line with the Union’s commitment to address all issues of concern with Iran, including the human rights situation, eight persons and three entities should be included in the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures set out in Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 359/2011.(4)Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 should therefore be amended accordingly,HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: