Press Release

Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) and Kevin Kiley (R-CA) released the following statements after participating today in a bipartisan event at the U.S. Capitol in support of the human rights protestors in Iran.
 
“As a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I stand in strong support of the brave citizens across Iran who have taken to the streets to fight for their fundamental human rights,” said Representative Ami Bera. “Despite Iranian police meeting demonstrators with horrific and brutal force, the brave people of Iran continue to risk their lives to fight for their rights, justice, and freedom. I will continue to stand with my colleagues of both parties to demand justice and accountability for the courageous women and men who have lost their lives at the hands of Iranian authorities.”

“These have been trying times, fearful times, but also hopeful times. It is so important that we stand united, as we are today, on a strong bipartisan basis in supporting the bravery, heroism, and resolve of the people of Iran. I want to thank everyone in the amazing Iranian American community in my district and across California, and promise I will do everything in my power to tilt the pendulum towards hope,” said Representative Kevin Kiley.

Last fall, the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini at the hands of Iranian ‘‘morality police’’ sparked widespread protests across Iran and around the world. The inhumane actions taken by state police in response to these protests have resulted in the death of hundreds of demonstrators including dozens of children.

On January 25th, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan resolution recognizing the bravery, courage, and resolve of the Iranian people during their ongoing protests against the Iranian regime’s human rights abuses. The resolution was cosponsored by both Representatives Bera and Kiley and passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Representatives Bera and Kiley both spoke today at a bipartisan event hosted by Representative’s Claudia Tenney (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ). Iranian-British activist and actress Nazanin Boniadi also spoke at the press conference.