Cassidy, Bicameral Group of Lawmakers Introduce Resolution Condemning Iran for its Crackdown on Peaceful Protestors

10.04.22

Cassidy, Bicameral Group of Lawmakers Introduce Resolution Condemning Iran for its Crackdown on Peaceful Protestors

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Ben Menendez (D-NJ), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bob Casey (D-PA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced a Senate resolution reaffirming the United States' support for the Iranian citizens peacefully protesting for their rights, and condemning the Iranian security forces for their violent response. An identical resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Tom Malinowski (D-NJ) and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-NY).

The resolution 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 sanctions against the regime. With reports of the Iran regime blocking internet access out of fear that its citizens will continue shining a light on these significant 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.

"Iranian women are fighting for their freedom," said Dr. Cassidy. "A 22-year-old Mahsa Amini was killed by the Iranian regime's morality police for refusing to wear a head covering. We must stand with the women of Iran as they fight for their rights."

"I am proud to be joined by my colleagues in introducing this important resolution commemorating Mahsa Amini and honoring the brave women and men of Iran giving voice to their rejection of this violent, oppressive and misogynistic regime," said Senator Menendez. "Whether through the simple, brave act of removing a hijab, standing in solidarity with those who do, or documenting the regime's crimes against protestors and telling their story to the world despite increasing violence and communications blackouts, these expressions reflect an honest truth and deeply-held desperation we shouldn't ignore. Iranians must know that we in the U.S. Congress, across the United States and around the world see and honor their bravery and share in their hope for a free Iran that is at peace with its neighbors as well as its own people."

"The courageous women across Iran who are protesting the human rights abuses of the Iranian regime are true heroes and should be honored. The horrific murder of Mahsa Amini for simply not wearing a head covering, the violence of the security forces as they do everything in their power to silence those who dare to speak out, and the blacking out of internet and social media across Iran should be a wake-up call to the international community," said Senator Blackburn. "The Biden Administration must immediately impose additional human rights sanctions on those responsible for the Iranian regime's brutal crackdown, and prioritize efforts to ensure unrestricted internet access in Iran. My Congressional colleagues and I - in a bipartisan, bicameral manner - stand in solidarity with the women of Iran who are courageously fighting for freedom after years of tyranny and abuse."

"I'm proud to join my colleagues in solidarity with the heroic women of Iran who are standing against the oppressive Iranian regime's human rights abuses," said Senator Rosen. "The international community must support protestors in Iran and immediately impose human rights sanctions on Iranian government officials who are repressing the protests."

"Mahsa's killing was a tragedy; I hope it is also a turning point. The bravery of Iranians, particularly women, fighting for freedom and dignity is an inspiration and the United States must lead the world in supporting their peaceful struggle while condemning their government's repression," said Representative Malinowski.

"The regime in Iran is once again violently cracking down on the rights of its citizens. It is the policy of the United States to stand with the Iranian people, who are the longest-suffering victims of this regime's brutality. Now, as the Iranian people are demanding justice for Mahsa and countless others like her, the United States must reaffirm our commitment to democracy by standing with the Iranian people. Today, with bipartisan, bicameral support, Congress is standing strong alongside the Iranian people," said Representative Tenney.

A copy of the resolution can be found here.

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