[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 154 (Thursday, October 22, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2617-E2618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONDEMNING PERSECUTION OF BAHA'IS IN IRAN

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. MIKE QUIGLEY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 21, 2009

  Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
175 and I thank the gentleman from Illinois, Representative Mark Kirk, 
for bringing this to the floor. This legislation makes it clear that 
the Congress of the United States of America will continue to stand 
strong against the religious persecution by the Government of Iran of 
the Baha'i community.
  The ruthless persecution of those of the Baha'i faith by the Iranian 
Ministry of Information in Shiraz has lead to jailing of Iranian 
citizens targeted solely on the basis of their religion. This 
persecution includes the jailing of Ms. Raha Sabet, 33; Mr. Sasan 
Taqva, 32; and Ms. Haleh Roohi, 29; who are currently serving four-year 
prison terms for educating underprivileged children.
  In accordance with prior Congressional action, the Department of 
State has since released a statement urging the Iranian Regime

[[Page E2618]]

to release these victims along with others imprisoned on the basis of 
religious discrimination.
  The combined effort of the United States Congress and the Department 
of State is only furthered by today's legislation. Today we reach out 
to the international community to immediately condemn Iran's continued 
violation of human rights and to demand the immediate release of 
prisoners held solely on account of their religion. I strongly believe 
that the United States and the world should stand together against this 
continued and blatant violation of the International Covenant on Human 
Rights.

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