You're reading: EU to impose Iran sanctions over human rights

The European Union has agreed to impose sanctions on 32 Iranian officials for human rights abuses.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Monday that during uprisings across Northern African and the Middle East the brutal regime in Tehran has worsened. He says this has forced the 27-nation bloc to impose visa bans and asset freezes on the 32 individuals.

Hague particularly underlined Iran’s imprisonment of opposition leaders, the detention of journalists and the use of the death penalty.

In Washington, the White House commended the move.