The UK Monday imposed sanctions on the Iranian “Morality Police” and other senior security officials. This comes as at least 185 people, including at least 19 children, have been killed in the nationwide protests across Iran in the wake of the death of Mahsa Amini. 

According to a report from Iran Human Rights, at least 185 people, including at least 19 children, have been killed in the across 17 provinces. Iran Human Rights reports the highest number of killings have occurred in Sistan and Baluchistan provinces. “In a statement issued yesterday, Iran Human Rights called for the international prosecution and sanctions against the Iranian Republic of Iran Broadcasting Corporation directors for collaborating with security agencies in recording, producing and airing forced false confessions and interviews.”

In response to the death of Mahsa Amini and recent reports of security forces opening fire on protesters, the UK issued a round sanctions against Iranian officials. The sanctions included the entire Iranian Morality Police, its chief Mohammed Rostami Cheshmeh Gachi and the Head of the Tehran Division Haj Ahmed Mirzaei. The sanctions also included five leading Iranian political and security officials. Among them were head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Basij force Gholamreza Soleimani, Commander of the NAJA Special Forces Unit of the Iranian police Hassan Karami, Commander-in-chief of the Iranian police Hossein Ashtari.

UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said of the sanctions: “These sanctions send a clear message to the Iranian authorities – we will hold you to account for your repression of women and girls and for the shocking violence you have inflicted on your own people.”

The US issued similar sanctions on Iran, with the first round issued on September 22 and another on October 6.

The nationwide protests broke out after Amini was arrested by the Tehran police on September 14 for wearing an “improper” hijab. Amini’s family found out she had been taken to the hospital in a coma two hours later. After two days, the Tehran police reported that she had died in custody. Amnesty International has called for action against Iran in the wake of the violence and protests.