The burnt remains of a Jewish ambulance service are shown March 23 in London after arson linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Britain has designated the IRGC and two other groups as threats to national security. Photo by Andy Rain/EPA/
July 13 (UPI) -- Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and two other groups will become the first named as threats to national security in Britain under new government powers, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said Monday.
In a statement to Parliament, Mahmood said support for the IRGC at any level will be punishable by up to 14 years in prison, BBC News reported. If Parliament approves it later this week, those who take part in acts of sabotage on behalf of the groups could face life imprisonment.
The Islamic Movement of Companions of the Right and Russia's GRU Volunteer Corps, the military intelligence agency, are also included in the orders.
"Iran and Russia are using proxies and thugs to do their dirty work on our shores," Mahmood said in a government release. "I have rapidly designated three groups so those working for them will be tracked down and put behind bars. I will leave no stone unturned to keep our country safe."
