Senate Condemns Iranian Human Rights Abuses, Expresses Solidarity with Iranian People

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate on Tuesday evening unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution condemning the Government of Iran for its human rights abuses in the wake of the June 12 presidential election, and affirmed its support for the fundamental freedoms of the Iranian people, including free speech and a free press.

The resolution, introduced by Senators Ted Kaufman (D-DE), Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), John McCain (R-AZ), Chris Dodd (D-CT), Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Bob Casey (D-PA), Lindsay Graham (R-SC), Carl Levin (D-MI) and Sam Brownback (R-KS), also urged the implementation of the VOICE Act. This legislation, which was signed into law earlier this year, authorizes funds for the development of technologies that will help the Iranian people evade electronic censorship and monitoring.

"Today, the Senate sent a message to the Government of Iran that we condemn limitations on free speech, restrictions on a free press, and violations of human rights. As Iranians continue to peacefully demonstrate in the streets, they have a right to have their voices and aspirations heard. Fundamental freedoms and human rights must be respected in Iran and throughout the world, and we condemn any attempt to silence the Iranian people," said Sen. Kaufman.

"This resolution sends a clear message to the hundreds of thousands of brave Iranians who have been peacefully protesting in the streets of their cities that the United States Senate is listening to what they are saying, we are inspired by their courage, and we are on their side," said Sen. Lieberman.

"The government of Iran continues to violate the internationally-recognized human rights of its people, including a brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters, prolonged detention, torture, and executions," said Sen. Dodd. "With this resolution — and recently-enacted laws designed to pressure Iran to respect the rights of its citizens and to hold accountable those who would deny them — Congress stands firmly behind the people of Iran and their right to express their views and exercise their freedoms without retribution by their government."

Added Sen. Casey: "As the Government of Iran continues to deny its citizens their basic human rights, I want to reiterate that we stand by the people of Iran and support their legitimate right to free speech, press and assembly — without the threat of violent persecution."