Political Quotes

“Senate Concurrent Resolution 31, concerning the emancipation of the Iranian Baha'i community, is the latest in a series of resolutions concerning the continuing repression of the Baha'i community in Iran that have been adopted by the Congress since 1982. This resolution allows us once again to express our outrage and revulsion with regard to the brutal and systematic denial of one of the most basic of human freedoms--freedom of conscience--which has been denied by the Mullahs of Iran. Each time we consider these resolutions it seems that there has been a new twist added to the outrages Iranian authorities have perpetrated against their own citizens. During the past year, we received disturbing reports from Iran on the continued repression of the Baha'i community. We learned that the Tehran authorities have destroyed gravesites located in the principal Baha'i cemetery in Tehran. Bodies have been removed to unknown destinations, and grave markers have been sold to construction firms to be used as ordinary building stones. The municipal authorities reportedly intend to build a cultural center on the site of the cemetery. These acts are consistent with guidelines detailed in a secret Iranian Government plan which came to light last year which calls for suppression of the Baha'i community in Iran and the destruction of its cultural roots. It is frighteningly similar to Hitler's plans for dealing with the Jewish community in Germany.”