Political Quotes

“I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this important resolution. I would like to join my colleagues in calling for the immediate release of Youcef Nadarkhani and all of the other individuals who are held or charged on account of their religion. I would also like to send a message to Pastor Youcef's family. Please know that the United States stands behind you, and we will do all we can to see that Youcef is set free. Mr. Speaker, it is difficult to comprehend in this day and age that there are nations in which one is not free to practice the religion of their choosing. And in Iran, freedom of religion is not the only right Iranian citizens are denied. The Iranian regime also continues to maintain severe restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and assembly. Tehran maintains strict control over domestic and international media, aimed at reducing Iranians' contact with the outside world. And individuals and groups risk arrest, torture, imprisonment for political protesting or cooperating with foreign human rights organizations. {time} 1950 Women's and minority rights activists and other human rights defenders, lawyers, journalists, and students are regularly arrested and harassed. Once imprisoned, detainees are ill-treated and tortured. These are just a few examples of the repressive tactics of the Iranian regime. We must continue to speak out against these injustices and call on our friends and allies to do the same.…”