US imposes "sanctions" on two foreign nuclear sciemtists?

[Boyo_Jim]

C an someone explain the background of this Reuters story on nuclear proliferations. I thought “sanctions” were imposed by nations or international bodies against nations. I’ve never heard this term applied to individuals. It refers to lifting the sanctions but never mentions what they are. Can anyone enlighten me?

[Schnitte]

From dictionary.com:

sanc·tion
n.
Authoritative permission or approval that makes a course of action valid. See Synonyms at permission.
Support or encouragement, as from public opinion or established custom.
A consideration, influence, or principle that dictates an ethical choice.
A law or decree.
The penalty for noncompliance specified in a law or decree.
A penalty, specified or in the form of moral pressure, that acts to ensure compliance or conformity.
A coercive measure adopted usually by several nations acting together against a nation violating international law.

The word “sanction” is not restricted to actions of nations or supranational institutions in its meaning. Any reaction on a person’s conduct meant to influence his behavior in one way can be called a sanction; e.g. imprisonment is a sanction on criminals.

Regarding the two scientists in question, this site says:

The penalties basically prohibit U.S. transactions, U.S. Government transactions with these entities and do not permit any new licenses or – to be issued and actually suspend previous licenses that might have been issued for items that are controlled, high-technology items controlled by the United States.