The British government announced the banning of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), designating it a terrorist organisation under new legal powers, in a move that follows a series of attacks targeting the Jewish community in the country, according to Reuters, citing Sky News on Wednesday.
The network reported that the British government expedited the passage of the National Security Bill on sovereign threats in fulfilment of the prime minister's commitments, after it became clear that existing counter-terrorism legislation did not cover activities and groups directly backed by states.
Under the decision, it becomes a criminal offence in the United Kingdom to mobilise support for the IRGC, express support for it, assist it in carrying out activities inside Britain, provide any material assistance to it, or accept or retain any material benefits provided by the IRGC or parties acting on its behalf.
The government said the measure aims to "undermine individuals who promote the interests and objectives of designated entities". Those who violate the new law face penalties of up to 14 years in prison, a fine, or both.
Meanwhile, the British government announced on Wednesday that an Iranian-backed proxy group is responsible for carrying out a series of arson and vandalism attacks targeting Jewish sites in Britain.
It stated that it had banned the movement "Asbah Al Yamin" (Owners of the Right). It clarified: "The Asbah Al Yamin movement has been directed by elements of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, who likely directed the movement's attacks across Europe."