Recognizing Enes Kanter Freedom

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Enes Kanter Freedom.

Since being drafted third overall in the 2011 NBA draft, Mr. Freedom, a newly minted American citizen, has made our country incredibly proud.

Growing up in Turkey, Enes says he did not know what freedom was until he moved to the United States. And since then, he has used his platform to speak out against human rights atrocities in China, Turkey, and beyond. Enes uses his voice for the people around the world who are voiceless.

And because of his outspoken criticism of Turkey's authoritarian regime and inhumane treatment of political prisoners, the Turkish Government revoked Enes' passport and issued multiple warrants for his arrest, leaving him stateless for many years. And in China, broadcasts of Enes' basketball games were banned after he criticized the Chinese Communist Party's repressive regime and their human rights abuses against the Uighurs and Tibetans.

Since facing backlash, Enes has made it his life's mission to push the boundaries of what is possible on and off the court. He understands and recognizes using his voice and the importance of it.

After waiting six long years, Mr. Speaker, last week Enes finally became a U.S. citizen, and at his citizenship ceremony, he recited the oath using his newly minted last name, Freedom. And I cannot think of a more appropriate new last name for Enes, as he embodies all that freedom means. And by changing his last name, Enes can now carry that word with him wherever he goes.

Mr. Speaker, I salute the brave work of Enes Kanter Freedom. At a time when others remain silent, he has spoken up.

I congratulate Enes on his citizenship, and this United States Congress and all of us welcome him to our American family.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source