Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1955 of 17 October 2022 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) 2022/1955of 17 October 2022implementing 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 25 September 2022, 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 against nonviolent protestors, which led to high numbers of deaths and injuries. The declaration also stated that those responsible for the killing of Mahsa Amini must be held accountable and called on the Iranian authorities to ensure transparent and credible investigations to clarify the number of deaths and arrested, release all non-violent protestors and provide due process to all detainees. Furthermore, the declaration stressed that Iran’s decision to severely restrict internet access and block instant messaging platforms blatantly violates freedom of expression. Finally, the declaration stated that the Union will consider all the options at its disposal to address the killing of Mahsa Amini and the way Iranian security forces have responded to the ensuing demonstrations.(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, eleven persons and four 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)Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 should therefore be amended accordingly,HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: