Rep. Ansari Led Bipartisan Press Conference and Candlelit Vigil in Support of Iranian Protestors

WASHINGTON - Today, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), the first Iranian American Democrat elected to Congress, led a bipartisan candlelight vigil in support of Iranian protestors in front of the United States Capitol.

"We're gathered here tonight to express unwavering support for the people of Iran, millions of whom bravely took to the streets and risked their lives to demand economic opportunity, human rights, dignity, and freedom," said Rep. Ansari. "I am humbled to see so many of my colleagues, from different backgrounds, geographical regions, and beliefs, come together to uplift the voices of those living in oppression halfway around the world."

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Last week, Ansari led a bipartisan group in introducing a resolution commending the bravery and resolve of the Iranian people in their fight for a free and democratic Iran and opposing the brutality of the Islamic Republic, which uses violent military force to suppress civilian protesters. Ansari is the daughter of Iranian immigrants and the first Iranian American Democrat elected to Congress. The resolution also urges immediate expansion of unrestricted internet access and civilian lines of communication across Iran, which have been severed by the Iranian regime, and demands the regime cease its threats, intimidation, and violence toward peaceful protesters.

The bipartisan measure is cosponsored by Representatives Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jim Himes (D-CT), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Mike Carey (R-OH), Brad Schneider (D-IL), and Tom Suozzi (D-NY).

Read text of the Resolution HERE.

Click HERE to watch a video of Rep. Ansari's remarks.

See the transcript below:

Hello everyone, and thank you for being with us tonight.

My name is Yassamin Ansari and I'm the proud daughter of Iranian immigrants who fled the theocratic, Islamic Republic regime to seek a better life in America.

We're gathered here tonight to express unwavering support for the people of Iran, millions of whom bravely took to the streets and risked their lives to demand economic opportunity, human rights, dignity, and freedom.

For nearly five decades, the Iranian people have endured brutal repression under the Islamic Republic: a regime that denies basic human rights, silences dissidents, and responds to peaceful protest with barbaric violence.

In the wake of the recent demonstrations, at least 12,000 protestors have been killed, including children, and thousands of protestors have been arrested by the regime. The few stories, photos and videos coming out of Iran, against the backdrop of an internet shutdown by the regime, are heart wrenching.

The right of the Iranian people to choose their government and peacefully protest the regime must be protected. We must unequivocally condemn the regime's use of force against civilians whose only fault is wanting a better life for themselves and their children.

Standing with the Iranian people means supporting human rights organizations that are doing critical work to document abuses and protect lives.

I call on the Trump Administration to immediately re-start millions of dollars in funding for organizations that do just that. It also means supporting internet freedom measures so that ordinary Iranians can circumvent their regime's censorship efforts.

The average American may not know this, but the regime has disabled internet access for its own citizens. That means people cannot reach loved ones, plan and organize, or reach unbiased information.

They are literally being kept in the dark by their own government and it could very well be permanent.

It's why longstanding bipartisan efforts to ensure internet access in Iran CANNOT be left on the backburner - this access could save lives.

And this is all very personal to me. I am the proud daughter of immigrants from Iran.

I now have the privilege to serve as the first Iranian-American Democrat elected to Congress, representing Phoenix, Glendale, and Guadeloupe.

And this month, I led a bipartisan group of members in introducing a resolution condemning the regime and standing firmly in support of the Iranian people.

I was humbled to see so many of my colleagues, from different backgrounds, geographical regions, and beliefs, come together to uplift the voices of those living in oppression halfway around the world.

I want to thank my co-leads, Representatives Bice, Suozzi, Schneider, Foxx, Fitzpatrick, and Carey.

To the people of Iran: know that you are not alone. Members of Congress in the United States see your incredible courage and resolve.

Your fight for freedom, democracy, and self-determination has inspired millions around the world. The future of Iran belongs to you and no one else.

The United States and the international community must continue to stand with the people of Iran and support a democratic Iran-free from the tyrannical Islamic Republic.

Now, I invite everyone gathered with me here to join us for a moment of silence honoring Iranian protestors who have been killed fighting for their freedom by the illegitimate, barbaric Islamic regime.

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