Congressman Schiff on Passage of Iran Political Prisoners Amendment in NDAA
“The world has watched in awe as thousands of Iranian civilians, with women and young people at the helm, demonstrate courageous acts of resistance against a totalitarian regime. Their bravery in the face of dire and deadly consequences, as well as the unprecedented reach and endurance of their protests, are a testament to how deep the desire for freedom runs. Tragically, we are also seeing how far the Iranian regime will go to silence that demand, with nearly 500 protestors killed and 18,000 detained, and those detained being subject to horrific abuse.
“I have long called for the United States and international community to hold Iran accountable for its extensive history of violating fundamental human rights, and that call has never been more urgent than it is today. An amendment I offered in this year’s defense spending bill makes clear that Iran must immediately release all arbitrarily detained individuals, including peaceful protestors, political prisoners, and prisoners of conscience, and that the United States must continue assisting organizations that are helping them. I am pleased the provision was included in the final package – making it clear that the American people will always fight for freedom both at home and abroad.”
For more information on the amendment, click here.
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