Constitutionally Protected Activities Aren't Sanctions Violations, OFAC Says
The Office of Foreign Assets Control doesn’t use its sanctions to target people for activities protected by the U.S. Constitution, including protections of free speech, religious practices and religious beliefs, the agency said in a new frequently asked question published…
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Aug. 27. It said U.S. people and companies don’t violate sanctions “for engaging in such constitutionally protected activity,” adding that “limitations and authorizations are in place to ensure that U.S. sanctions do not restrict the exchange of information or informational materials, or personal communication.” People and companies don’t need OFAC authorization to “engage in activities that are not prohibited by or are otherwise exempt from sanctions,” the agency said. It said questions about sanctions and constitutionally protected activities should be directed to OFAC’s online compliance hotline.