Ted Deutch: “In the past couple of weeks, tens of thousands of Iranian citizens from a broad cross-section of society took to the…”

“In the past couple of weeks, tens of thousands of Iranian citizens from a broad cross-section of society took to the streets to demand accountability and change in their country. This was the largest mass protest since the Green Revolution in 2009. Tragically, both ended in the same predictable darkness: harsh government crackdowns in which innocent peaceful protesters were arrested, were jailed, and were killed. In the latest episode, more than 3,700 Iranian protesters were arrested and nearly two dozen were killed. The Iranian people deserve better and they deserve the support of all peoples who value and yearn for freedom. Today's resolution sends an important message to the Iranian people, that we stand with them in their legitimate pursuit of reforms from a regime that would silence their voices and steal their fundamental liberties. I also believe we should do more. I am proud to have introduced with Chairman McCaul, along with support of Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel, the Iran Human Rights and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act that goes one step further than condemnation to actually impose sanctions against those Iranian officials perpetrating these egregious human rights violations, as well as those responsible for kidnapping Americans, Americans like my own constituent, Bob Levinson, who has now spent more than 10 years in captivity.…”