Rep Raul Ruiz supports Iran protests
Wednesday, December 11, Washington, DC, bipartisan members of congress joined Iranian Americans from across the U.S. at a House Briefing to support ongoing protests in Iran and to hold the Iranian regime accountable for indiscriminate and deadly use of force. The briefing was organized by the Organization of Iranian American Communities (OIAC).
Rep Raul Ruiz joined the brifing to support Iran protests
Rep Raul Ruiz: Thank you everybody, thank you everybody for being here and for welcoming me to the Congressional Solidarity with a Free Iran event today.
I would like to thank the Organization of Iranian American Communities for putting together this outstanding event. I also want to express my gratitude to Dr. (Ashir), Majeed and Alborz for their advocacy and for their collaboration with my office.
I am proud of the growing Iranian American community in my district that’s California’s 36th District in Southern California.
Rep Raul Ruiz highlighted: As we come together today to celebrate the holidays, we must also remember those who are currently fighting tyranny in Iran and honor the lives lost combatting this regime’s repressive forces. Since the revolts erupted a few weeks ago, we have watched as protests have developed in nearly 200 cities, resulting in over 4,000 people injured and tragically over 1,000 people killed by Iranian security forces.
This abhorrent use of violence by the state security forces and the subsequent internet blackout are just the most recent examples of merciless attempts of censorship by the ruling religious dictatorship. This regime’s response to the people’s protest is an outrage and the loss of life is deeply saddening.
It is a solemn reminder that the U.S. and European leaders involved in negotiations with Tehran are engaging with an oppressive government who is actively suppressing the voices of its people. And we must support the protestors seeking nothing but their fundamental rights and freedoms. That is why I stand with my colleagues in Congress in support of the bipartisan H.Res 374 which underlines the plan to promote a secular, democratic, nonnuclear republic of Iran.
Rep Raul Ruiz added: I support a free Iran. I support Mrs. Maryam Rajavi’s 10-point plan [applause] for the future of Iran. And I will continue supporting the Iranian people in their protest for their basic rights, freedom, and democracy. The Iranian people have spoken and the United States has heard you, will be vigilant, and stands with you in solidarity. I will be keeping the Iranian families affected by these heinous crimes in my prayers this holiday season and I hope others will do so as well. I’d like to say thank you, again, for having me here today and I want to wish everybody happy holidays.