[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E404]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IRAN EXECUTES OPPOSITION ACTIVISTS

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                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 17, 2010

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, freedom is rarely free. When you don't have 
it, you're under someone else's yolk, someone else's power. And for you 
to get it, you have to take that power from the oppressor. And while 
history has recorded some peaceful transitions, the transfer of power 
most often comes with the shedding of blood. So freedom has to be 
desired, yearned for, knowing that the struggle for it could cost you 
your life but is worth it--if not for you to enjoy, then for your 
children and grandchildren.
  The totalitarian regime in Tehran has tortured, imprisoned, and 
executed thousands simply because they wanted to be free. On January 
28, it continued its brutal oppression with the first known executions 
of opposition activists since unrest broke out following June's 
disputed presidential elections. Mohammad Reza Ali Zamani and Arash 
Rahmanipour were men that courageously made the choice to stand up to 
their oppressor. Faced with the choice between suffering under the 
indefinite rule of an oppressive regime and giving their lives so that 
others might be free, they selflessly chose the latter. We honor their 
sacrifice by continuing their fight so that all Iranians may one day be 
free.

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