Iran sanctions: eight people, two entities added

Summary#

The Canada Gazette published the final rule Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations: SOR/2023-57, which adds 8 individuals and 2 entities to Canada’s Iran sanctions list. The regulation came into force on March 23, 2023 and was published on April 12, 2023.

What it does#

• Adds these 2 entities to the sanctions list: The Ravin Academy, Imen Sanat Zaman Fara.
• Adds these 8 individuals to the sanctions list: Ghassem Damavandian, Hamidreza Sharifi-Tehrani, Nader Khoon Siavash, Hassan Hassanzadeh, Gholamhossein Mohammadi Asl, Abbas-Ali Mohammadian, Abbas Nilforushan, Hossein Modarres Khiababni.
• Once listed, Canadians and people in Canada are prohibited from dealing with the listed people or entities. That includes handling their property, entering into transactions with them, or providing them with goods or services.
• The names will be added to the Consolidated Canadian Autonomous Sanctions List to help banks and others screen for compliance.
• Enforcement authorities named in the notice include the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency. Penalties noted for breaches include fines up to $25,000, or imprisonment up to one year on summary conviction, and up to five years on conviction on indictment.

Who's affected#

• The people and entities added to the sanctions lists (the eight named individuals and two named entities).
• Canadians and people in Canada who might have financial or business dealings with those listed. Banks and other financial institutions will need to update screening systems.
• The government says it is likely these specific additions have limited economic links with Canada, so broader Canadian businesses and small businesses are unlikely to be significantly affected.

Why it matters#

• These changes are part of Canada’s response to what it calls gross and systematic human rights violations in Iran and actions that threaten international peace and security. The notice cites recent violent crackdowns on protests — including the death of Mahsa Amini — as background to the measures.
• For the listed people and entities, the measures mean restricted access to Canadian financial services and a ban on most dealings with Canadians.
• For the public, the measure signals Canada’s alignment with recent actions by allies such as the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States to pressure Iran over human rights and weapons-related activities.