Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to demand the release and safe return of Jamshid Sharmahd. Mr. Sharmahd, a U.S. national and the father of one of my constituents, was unlawfully arrested and imprisoned in Iran 3 years ago in retaliation for simply doing his job as an independent journalist. Following a sham trial that was condemned by international human rights groups, Mr. Sharmahd was sentenced to death. Mr. Sharmahd was convicted in an Iranian court of ``corruption on Earth,'' a nonsense charge designed only to imprison and execute political dissidents. He deserves to be reunited with his daughter in Ontario, California. Mr. Speaker, I call on the State Department and the White House to do everything in their power to free Mr. Sharmahd and ensure his safe return. ____________________”