Last September, 22-year-old Jina “Mahsa” Amini was arrested by Iran’s morality police for allegedly wearing a hijab improperly. She was severely beaten by authorities and died three days later while still in police custody. After reports of this tragic event emerged, protests erupted across Iran and have continued ever since, drawing widespread condemnation of the Iranian government’s violations of human rights and civil liberties.
In a 420-1 vote, the House passed H.Con.Res.7, a bipartisan resolution led by Rep. Claudia Tenney (NY-24) in support of Iranian protesters seeking to defend their fundamental human rights. Last year, nearly identical legislation advanced through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee but did not receive a full floor vote.
FCNL strongly supports this vote and stands with the people of Iran. It’s critical that the Senate now takes up this common sense measure to condemn the killing of Jina Mahsa Amini and the Iranian government’s crackdown on civil society, while recognizing the bravery of the Iranian people.
This legislation also encourages the Biden administration, private sector, and international community to take additional steps to respond to the protests. These include targeted individual sanctions on those responsible for human rights violations in Iran and sanctions exemptions to ensure robust internet and communication freedoms for the Iranian people.
FCNL continues to urge Congress and the Biden administration to support the Iranian people by engaging diplomatically with Iran over its human rights practices and nuclear program. FCNL also encourages the Biden administration to lift broad-based economic sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy and disproportionately impacted civilians.
