UK bans support for two Iranian groups over antisemitic attacks in Britain
By William James
Britain Implements New Powers to Counter State-Sponsored Proxies
LONDON, July 13 (Reuters) - Britain banned support for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a linked group on Monday following a series of antisemitic attacks, using new powers designed to stop the use of state-sponsored proxies.
Growing Concerns Over Foreign Influence
The government and intelligence agencies have become increasingly concerned about foreign powers paying organised crime groups or low-level criminals for surveillance, sabotage or other activities on their behalf.
Recent Antisemitic Attacks in London
The ban follows attacks on Jewish-linked sites in London, including the torching of four Jewish community ambulances.
Government Response and Statements
"These new powers will make it easier to prosecute and lock up anyone carrying out their dirty work here in Britain," Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.
Details of the Groups and Their Activities
Britain said it had identified activity linked to the IRGC involving threats to life and intimidation on British soil, and that the group used proxy actors to advance Iranian state objectives overseas.
The Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right
The government said the IRGC had "almost certainly" directed another group, The Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right, which Britain said had claimed seven attacks at locations in Britain linked to Jewish and Israeli communities, and Persian-language media.
Iran's Response
Iran, which is at war with the United States and Israel, has previously denied using proxies. The Iranian embassy in London did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the British government's latest action.
Legal and Security Implications
The new powers, similar to proscription, seek to close a gap in existing laws around state-linked actors and make it illegal to show support for those groups.
Parliamentary Approval and Enforcement
If the designations are approved by parliament, police and intelligence agencies will have new powers to tackle any threats linked to the groups and introduce new criminal offences. Anyone involved in acts of sabotage on behalf of designated groups could face life imprisonment.
Additional Designations: Russia's GRU Volunteer Wing
Britain also designated the volunteer wing of Russia's GRU military intelligence service under the new powers. It said Russia was combining conventional military capabilities with "irregular and deniable forces" to project power abroad and undermine European and NATO security.
Russian Response
Russia did not immediately comment on the decision.
(Reporting by William James, Sarah Young and Muvija M, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
