Condemning Persecution Of Baha'is In Iran

Floor Speech

* Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 175 and I thank the gentleman from Illinois, Representative MARK KIRK, for bringing this to the floor. This legislation makes it clear that the Congress of the United States of America will continue to stand strong against the religious persecution by the Government of Iran of the Baha'i community.

* The ruthless persecution of those of the Baha'i faith by the Iranian Ministry of Information in Shiraz has lead to jailing of Iranian citizens targeted solely on the basis of their religion. This persecution includes the jailing of Ms. Raha Sabet, 33; Mr. Sasan Taqva, 32; and Ms. Haleh Roohi, 29; who are currently serving four-year prison terms for educating underprivileged children.

* In accordance with prior Congressional action, the Department of State has since released a statement urging the Iranian Regime to release these victims along with others imprisoned on the basis of religious discrimination.

* The combined effort of the United States Congress and the Department of State is only furthered by today's legislation. Today we reach out to the international community to immediately condemn Iran's continued violation of human rights and to demand the immediate release of prisoners held solely on account of their religion. I strongly believe that the United States and the world should stand together against this continued and blatant violation of the International Covenant on Human Rights.

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