A demonstrator holds a photo of Mahsa Amini at a rally to mark the first anniversary of his death, in Brussels, Belgium, Sept.15, 2023. (Credit: Yves Herman/Reuters)
BEIRUT — Hezbollah Saturday criticized sanctions the US administration has imposed on Iranian media outlets and several of their leaders, and gave them its "full support."
In a statement, the Tehran-backed Hezbollah said "the US administration and its supporters around the world [referring to the United Kingdom and the European Union, which contributed to the sanctions] falsely claim to defend freedom of expression, thought and belief, as long as it serves their interests, policies and beliefs."
"In reality, they restrict the freedom of expression of all those who oppose them, using a variety of means, including sanctions that expose the inconsistency of their policies and claims to freedom, equality and fair opportunity," the text continued. The Shiite party also offered its "full support and solidarity to all institutions and individuals unjustly affected by these sanctions."
Washington imposed the sanctions Friday, on the eve of the first anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman who died in custody after Iran's morality police arrested her on Sept. 16, 2022, for wearing hijab incorrectly. Her death provoked a large-scale protest movement against Iranian authorities.
Considered a terrorist party by Washington, Hezbollah and many of its cadres and members are themselves targeted by a slew of US sanctions. The party barely commented on the protests in Iran, echoing the regime's narrative that Mahsa Amini's death was a "vague incident" exploited by those opposed to the regime.
Reacting to the new sanctions, Iran Saturday denounced "interventionist statements" and "ridiculous, hypocritical spectacles."