UK unveils plan to ban Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, supporters face 14 years in prison | Today’s news
The British government announced plans on Monday to ban Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under new national security legislation aimed at tackling foreign state-sponsored threats, with anyone caught supporting or aiding the designated groups facing up to 14 years in prison.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said proposed legislation to be introduced in parliament this week would give authorities powers to target organizations linked to hostile foreign states.
“Anyone caught supporting or assisting these groups will now face up to 14 years in prison,” Starmer said.
IRGC among three designated groups
In addition to the IRGC, the legislation will designate representatives and volunteers of Russia’s military intelligence agency GRU as well as the Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right (IMCR), an Iran-linked group accused of carrying out a series of attacks on Jewish properties in London.
The IMCR, also known as Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyah (HAYI), has claimed responsibility for several incidents, including an arson attack that destroyed four ambulances belonging to the Jewish charity Hatzola.
New powers to deal with foreign threats
The Home Office said the legislation would give the government “proscriptive” powers to appoint foreign prosecutors deemed a threat to Britain’s national security.
“This move will strengthen the government’s ability to counter state threats associated with foreign powers, including espionage, foreign interference in our democracy, sabotage and physical attacks,” the Home Office said in a statement.
The new framework will also make it easier to prosecute members or supporters of designated groups, as prosecutors will no longer have to prove direct ties to a foreign state in such cases.
Home Secretary Angela Eagle said the UK had identified activity linked to the IRGC involving threats and intimidation in Britain.
“The UK has identified activity associated with the IRGC involving threats to life and intimidation on UK soil,” Eagle said in a written statement.
Reaction to anti-Semitic attacks
The announcement follows a series of anti-Semitic attacks in London earlier this year, including arson attacks targeting synagogues, community clinics and other Jewish sites.
According to the Home Office, the government has stepped up legislation in response to the violence.
“The government has fast-tracked legislation to introduce new powers following the horrific anti-Semitic attacks in north London,” the department said.
International pressure on Iran
Last month, 22 countries — including the United Kingdom, the United States and several European nations — jointly accused the IRGC and its overseas operational arm, the Quds Force, of orchestrating plots to target Iranian dissidents, journalists and Jewish communities.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the UK would take a tougher approach against foreign states using proxy organizations to carry out hostile activities on British soil.
“Iran and Russia are using their proxies and thugs to do their dirty work on our shores. I have quickly identified three groups so those working for them will be hunted down and jailed,” Mahmood said.
Read also | IRGC-linked media say Iran has ‘no choice’ but to build nuclear bomb
