David Nicolas Cicilline: I stand in firm support of the brave men and women of Iran

David Nicolas Cicilline announced in his speech in parliament: "Today I stand in firm support of the brave women and men of Iran."

David Cicilline is a Democratic representative representing Rhode Island's 1st congressional district in the United States House of Representatives.

In his speech to the United States Congress, he not only responded to the repression and killings that have occurred since the protests began in Iran, but also declared that the Iranian regime must stop supporting Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine. Iran must know that America stands with the people.

David Cicilline began his speech to the Speaker of the House, the representatives, and the entire public:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the brave men and women of Iran who are risking their lives to speak out against the Iranian regime’s human rights abuses.

Today marks 131 days since the protests in Iran. It has been 131 days since the burial of Mahsa Amini after she was harassed, arrested, and ultimately killed by Iran's morality police for improperly wearing a hijab.

Since his assassination, Iranians, both men and women, have taken to the streets in more than 133 cities across the country, demanding respect for their basic rights and freedoms. For nearly 19 weeks, protesters have been taking to the streets, making their voices heard and demanding to be treated with respect.

But instead of listening, the Iranian regime brutally represses its own citizens, shooting protesters, mass arrests, and resorting to torture and sexual violence. Human rights activists in Iran have reported that nearly 20,000 people have been arrested and more than 500, including children, have been killed since the protests began.

Furthermore, the Iranian regime has already executed four protesters and many others have been convicted of crimes that carry the death penalty. This brutal violation of human rights must stop immediately.

The international community must stand with the Iranian people against this violent repression.

The Iranian regime must also stop supporting Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, stop spreading terror in the region, and start listening to its own people.

Today, the parliament has gathered to unequivocally condemn the brutality of the Iranian regime and express support for the Iranian people.

Their courage in the face of stifling repression and increasing impunity is an inspiration to the world and deserves our respect and strong support. They should know that America stands with them.

I want to close by commending the Biden administration for working with our allies and partners to hold the regime accountable for human rights abuses by imposing sanctions on Iranian officials responsible for the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters.

"I look forward to continuing our bipartisan work to advance the cause of human rights in Iran."

The video of his speech in English can be viewed below.