WASHINGTON,
D.C. – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and members of Congress
expressed concern and outrage about the safety of thirteen Iranian Jews
who were arbitrarily arrested and imprisoned on the eve of the Jewish holiday
of Passover.
Schakowsky
cosponsored a Concurrent Resolution introduced by Representative Brad Sherman
(D-CA) condemning "… in the strongest possible terms, the recent arrest
of members of Iran's Jewish minority" and calling for their immediate release.
"The
Jewish community in Iran has suffered a great deal of persecution over
the years. This is the latest example of Iran's dismal record on
human rights. That is why the United States must work to obtain the immediate
release of the Chief Rabbi of Shiraz, teachers, students and other Iranian
Jews who are wrongfully imprisoned," Schakowsky said.
"Our
government has a long tradition of opposing human rights abuses throughout
the world. That is why the United States must remain a leader against
such tyranny and misuse of power," Schakowsky added.
Iran
had promised the world community that it would moderate its policies, reform
its laws, and eliminate arbitrary arrests.
"Actions
speak louder than words. The arbitrary arrests of the thirteen Iranian
Jews, while being denied due process of law, is an insult to the international
community and Jews around the world," Schakowsky said.
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