[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 67 (Thursday, May 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E874]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONCERNING THE 13 IRANIAN JEWS CURRENTLY ON TRIAL IN THAT COUNTRY

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                          HON. DEBBIE STABENOW

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2000

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to voice my grave concern over the 
ongoing trial in Iran of 13 Iranian Jews on questionable charges of 
spying. The world should know that we are watching this case closely. 
If Iran truly wants to join the community of nations it should ensure 
an open and fair trial. The Jews facing trial in Iran have been held 
without due process for over one year. The Clinton administration has 
rightly put Iran on notice that we are watching these proceedings 
closely and we will hold the Iranian regime responsible for their 
actions.
  Mr Speaker, we are seeing reports in the press that describe the 
social isolation of many in Iran's 25,000-strong Jewish community in 
the wake of this trial. Several shops owned by Iranian Jews have 
reportedly been attacked in Tehran. Other reports out of Iran claim 
that school children are treating Jewish classmates with contempt, and 
some adults have stopped going to work out of fear or shame. There was 
some hope that the overwhelming election of President Khatemi would 
mean a more moderate Iranian government, but so far this has not been 
the case. The regime's record of closing 19 newspapers over the last 
month is another reminder of the failure of Iran's ruling class in this 
regard. There is no better way to regain this promise than to ensure 
freedom and justice for the 13 Iranian Jews on trial in Shiraz. We here 
in the U.S. and around the world must be vigilant in pressing for this 
outcome.

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