WASHINGTON –  U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), joined SFRC Chair Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), along with nine of their Senate colleagues lauded Committee approval of their Senate resolution reaffirming the United States’ support for the Iranian citizens who have taken to the streets in peaceful protest for their fundamental human rights, and condemning the Iranian security forces for their violent response.

“I commend the people of Iran who are standing up against an oppressive, corrupt regime,” said Senator Cardin. “Iran’s murderous crackdown on peaceful protesters deserves universal condemnation. We must continue to demonstrate our support to those risking their safety to call for freedom and equality.”

“Nearly three months since the brutal detention, beating, and murder of Mahsa Amini, the courage and defiance the Iranian people continue to display in the face of the regime’s brutality has served as an extraordinary example for all of us and everyone around the world who believes all people deserve a say in their livelihoods and way of life,” said Chairman Menendez. “It is my hope that Congressional approval of this bipartisan, bicameral resolution will help amplify the voices of the hundreds of thousands of women and men of Iran who are protesting against the brutality of one of the world’s most repressive regimes. As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I am committed to keep our Committee’s spotlight on the Iranian regime’s crackdowns, shutdowns, and deflections in response to the demands of the Iranian people, and to call on our partners in the international community to stand with the people of Iran.”  

The resolution specifically calls for the international community to speak out against the Iranian regime’s human rights violations, and urges continued efforts to hold those violators accountable including through additional coordinated sanctions. With reports of the Iranian regime blocking internet access out of fear that its citizens to muffle the protests, the senators also stressed the importance for the United States government and the broader international community to provide additional support for access to digital communications and internet freedom in Iran.

Joining Senators Cardin, Menendez and Blackburn were Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.).  

An identical resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Tom Malinowski (D-N.J.), Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), and Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. 

Find a copy HERE.