Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) announced the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the Senate resolution reaffirming the United States’ support for the Iranian citizens who have taken to the streets in peaceful protest for their fundamental human rights, and condemning the Iranian security forces for their violent response.
“Every day, we learn more about the Iranian regime and the lengths they will go to retain power and control. The Iranian people’s fight for equal rights and freedom has been heard around the world as they push back against violent security forces. The bravery of the Iranian citizens cannot be overstated, and we stand with them in their peaceful protests against their tyrannical government,” said Senator Cramer.
“Nearly three months since the brutal detention, beating, and murder of Mahsa Amini, the courage and defiance the Iranian people continue to display in the face of the regime’s brutality has served as an extraordinary example for all of us and everyone around the world who believes all people deserve a say in their livelihoods and way of life,” Chairman Menendez said. “It is my hope that Congressional approval of this bipartisan, bicameral resolution will help amplify the voices of the hundreds of thousands of women and men of Iran who are protesting against the brutality of one of the world’s most repressive regimes. As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I am committed to keep our Committee’s spotlight on the Iranian regime’s crackdowns, shutdowns, and deflections in response to the demands of the Iranian people, and to call on our partners in the international community to stand with the people of Iran.”
“Many brave Iranians fighting for their basic human rights are brutally murdered or taken to prison, where they endure harrowing torture until they are executed,” said Senator Blackburn. “While the Iranian regime announced they abolished their ‘Morality Police,’ this is only a façade to distract us from what the protesters really want – to free Iran of the oppression altogether. The United States must stand by them until they secure victory.”
The resolution specifically calls for the international community to speak out against the Iranian regime’s human rights violations, and urges continued efforts to hold those violators accountable including through additional coordinated sanctions. With reports of the Iranian regime blocking internet access to muffle its citizens’ protests, the senators also stressed the importance for the United States government and the broader international community to provide additional support for access to digital communications and internet freedom in Iran.
Joining Senators Cramer, Menendez, and Blackburn are Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Todd Young (R-IN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Bill Hagerty (R-TN).
Click here to read the resolution.