SCHAKOWSKY JOINS COLLEAGUES TO CONDEMN IMPRISONMENT OF IRANIAN JEWS

JUNE 22, 1999

WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and members of Congress expressed concern and outrage about the safety of thirteen Iranian Jews who were arbitrarily arrested and imprisoned on the eve of the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Schakowsky cosponsored a Concurrent Resolution introduced by Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA) condemning " in the strongest possible terms, the recent arrest of members of Iran's Jewish minority" and calling for their immediate release.

"The Jewish community in Iran has suffered a great deal of persecution over the years. This is the latest example of Iran's dismal record on human rights. That is why the United States must work to obtain the immediate release of the Chief Rabbi of Shiraz, teachers, students and other Iranian Jews who are wrongfully imprisoned," Schakowsky said.

"Our government has a long tradition of opposing human rights abuses throughout the world. That is why the United States must remain a leader against such tyranny and misuse of power," Schakowsky added.

Iran had promised the world community that it would moderate its policies, reform its laws, and eliminate arbitrary arrests.

"Actions speak louder than words. The arbitrary arrests of the thirteen Iranian Jews, while being denied due process of law, is an insult to the international community and Jews around the world," Schakowsky said.