We Should Support The Iranian People's Right To Protest

Floor Speech

WE SHOULD SUPPORT THE IRANIAN PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO PROTEST

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. FLEMING. Mr. Speaker, recently elections were held in Iran with the Iranian Government declaring Ahmadinejad the landslide winner over pro-reform challenger Mr. Mousavi.

Mousavi is claiming the results of these elections should be voided because of fraud and other irregularities as people went to vote. He is calling upon his supporters to remain vocal and protest the results of this election, and they are turning out in the tens of thousands, but many have been killed. In response, President Ahmadinejad has tried to minimize anyone with an opposing viewpoint, physically threatening any form of dissent and shutting out the media and communications.

The accusations of voter irregularities must be investigated, a fact supported by Vice President Biden. But until this election is certified, the people of Iran should be supported in their pursuit of peaceful protests, if they so choose. Also, dissidents should be allowed to protest without violence against them.

More importantly, I call upon our President to not be timid, but to speak out firmly on this subject. Either it is a democracy with a legitimate government, or it is a tyrannical dictatorship.

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