The US State Department has announced a new round of sanctions targeting 18 Iranian officials for their involvement in violently suppressing protests and restricting internet access in Iran.

US Deputy State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed the additions to the sanctions list in a written statement on February 19, citing the officials’ harsh crackdowns on demonstrations and their implementation of internet blackouts.

Pigott emphasized that the US administration will continue to support the “freedom of expression of the Iranian people,” stressing that their rights to peaceful assembly and protest must not be blocked.

With this latest action, the total number of Iranian officials sanctioned by the US for these types of abuses has now reached 58.