Iran: Australia's sanctions amount to interference in domestic affairs

Iran has slammed Australia for imposing sanctions on Iranian individuals and entities, saying the move is a clear example of meddling in the internal affairs of the Islamic Republic and inciting violence and hatred.

According to Tasnim news agency, in a statement on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kan'ani reminded Australia about its international obligations to fight terrorism and hate and observe human rights principles.

Canberra, however, has dark human rights history which should be taken into consideration by the international community, he said.

"Australia's new anti-Iran move took place while the country's government has systematically violated the basic rights of the Australian aborigines, prisoners and asylum seekers for many years. It has also sheltered agents of anti-Iran and terrorist groups," the spokesperson added.

Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Saturday the country is imposing Magnitsky-style sanctions on 13 individuals and two entities in response to what it called "egregious" human rights violations and abuses.

Canberra will impose targeted sanctions on Iran's Morality Police, the Basij volunteer force and six Iranian individuals, allegedly involving in the violent crackdown on riots following the death of Mahsa Amini on Sept. 16. The 22-year-old Iranian woman collapsed at a police station and died in hospital three days later despite full medical care.

Back in October, Iran’s Legal Medicine Organization released the results of its investigation into the case, saying Amini's death had been caused by illness rather than alleged blows to the head or other vital body organs as the Western media outlets and their allies had been propagating.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said that international organizations have presented numerous documentary reports on human rights violations in Australia.

Kan'ani said Australia has recently violated its human rights obligations as it prevented an international committee against torture from visiting the detention centers of the asylum seekers in this country so that its inhumane mistreatment remains hidden.

The United Nations in October decided to suspend its anti-torture mission to Australia after inspectors were denied entry into several jails, calling it a “clear breach” of international obligations.

ME