The United States Congressional Iran Human Rights and Democracy and Iranian Women Caucus held a hearing on May 18, 2023, regarding the ongoing nationwide uprising in Iran. Despite the clerical regime’s attempts to suppress or derail the protests, the hearing aimed to address the situation and express support for the resistance movement. The president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, attended the bipartisan hearing.
Co-chaired by Representatives Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX) and Nancy Mace (R-SC), the Iranian Women Caucus recognized the courageous women and youth who led the 2022 protests in Iran, demanding social freedom and political change. Congresswoman Jackson-Lee commended the Iranian diaspora for their efforts and expressed support for Mrs. Rajavi‘s leadership in the struggle for freedom.
In her remarks, Mrs. Rajavi highlighted the significance of the uprising, emphasizing the role of women in the resistance movement. She emphasized that the Iranian people refuse to tolerate the current regime and strive for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear republic. Mrs. Rajavi urged all governments to acknowledge the struggle of the Iranian people to overthrow the regime and support the youth’s self-defense against the IRGC.
Several members of the U.S. House of Representatives also spoke in support of the Iranian people’s uprising and Mrs. Rajavi’s ten-point plan for Iran’s future. Congressman Tom McClintock (R-CA) highlighted House Resolution 100, co-sponsored by a majority of representatives, which supports the Iranian people’s struggle and condemns human rights violations and state-sponsored terrorism by the Iranian regime.
The bipartisan support garnered by Mrs. Rajavi was credited to her decades of tenacity and determination. Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) praised the Iranian diaspora for their continual advocacy, while Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL) called the NCRI‘s “Free Iran Summit” the most inspiring and well-attended meeting he had ever witnessed.
Other participants expressed their admiration and support for Mrs. Rajavi and the Iranian Resistance’s efforts in representing the people of Iran. Congressman Randy Weber (R-TX) emphasized the fight for liberty, Congressman Lance Gooden (R-TX) recalled his visit to Ashraf 3 and expressed his belief in the mission, and Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) acknowledged the bipartisan backing due to Mrs. Rajavi’s leadership.
Overall, the hearing aimed to show solidarity with the Iranian people, provide support, and raise awareness of the struggle for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear Iran.
