Sanctions Sought for Iran’s Human Rights Abusers- Wall Street Journal

WASHINGTON–As tensions rise over Iran’s treatment of dissidents at home, a bipartisan group of senators is seeking to shift the focus of economic sanctions toward those responsible for human-rights abuses, not just those involved in Iran’s nuclear program.

A bipartisan group of Senators plans on Thursday to introduce a bill that would compel President Barack Obama to target Iranian officials who abuse human rights in any economic sanctions it seeks on the Iranian government. The legislation is timed to coincide with the anniversary of Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution, an event that is expected to bring forth rival-government demonstrations in the streets of Tehran.

The legislation is authored by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, a Connecticut independent who usually sides with Democrats, and by Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican. A bipartisan group of Senators will co-sponsor the legislation

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