House Condemns Iran Human Rights Violations

WASHINGTON, DC – House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement after the House passed H. Res. 754, a resolution condemning Iran’s gross human rights violations:

“The Iranian government’s widespread – and well-documented - violations of the basic human rights of its citizens is nothing short of horrific. Iranian women are subject to despicable attacks condoned, and even supported by, its rulers. Executions are on the rise under President Rouhani, most recently claiming the life of a woman who killed her assailant in the course of a sexual assault. And religious minorities and political activists continue to be subject to abuse and detention, despite civil liberty protections enshrined in numerous international treaties and covenants.

“Formally condemning these actions is an important step on the part of the House, but it remains incumbent upon the president to use all the tools at his disposal, including sanctions, to hold accountable those responsible for these heinous acts. It would also be a mistake for the administration to bypass Congress and strike a nuclear agreement that eases restrictions on a regime that has proven itself not only an enemy to many of its own people, but to America and our closest allies as well.”

NOTE: In September, Speaker Boehner cautioned the administration against striking a deal with Iran that would ease restrictions on its nuclear program, saying: “The country has a deplorable human rights record, and it still has American hostages. Furthermore, there is no evidence that Iran intends to comply with honest transparency and accountability measures over its nuclear ambitions.” Read the full statement here.