EU Sanctions Iranian Hacker and Judges Amid Human Rights Violations

On July 24, 2026, the EU imposed sanctions on Nima Salehi, an Iranian hacker, and five judges for their roles in human rights abuses in Iran. Salehi, founder of the Ashiyane cyber group, is accused of conducting cyberattacks against regime opponents and foreign entities, aiding the Iranian government's crackdown on dissent. The sanctions include asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on financial transactions. The judges sanctioned have been involved in sentencing political dissidents and religious minorities to severe punishments, including death sentences. This action is part of the EU's broader strategy to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations in Iran, which has seen a significant increase in state repression. The total number of individuals and entities under EU sanctions related to Iran now stands at 269 and 53, respectively.

Key Points: • EU sanctions target Nima Salehi and five Iranian judges for human rights violations. • Salehi's Ashiyane group is implicated in cyberattacks against dissidents and foreign institutions. • The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans, reflecting escalating EU actions against Iran.