Mr. Speaker, despite President Rouhani's charm offensive, the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to violate human rights and persecute political prisoners at an accelerated rate. Over 50 executions were reported in the first month of 2014. In 2013, 660 prisoners were executed in Iran, with 430 of them put to death after the June 14 election charade, often in horrific public group executions to intensify the atmosphere of terror throughout Iran.
Additionally, there are recent reports that Iraq is in negotiations with Iran to extradite the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, who are Iranian refugees. The MEK would become political prisoners if deported to Iran to face torture and execution by Iran's clerical regime.
Finally, Ms. Reyhaneh Jabbari is at risk of imminent execution for defending herself and killing an attacker who was attempting to rape her. The regime tortured her until she confessed to the murder. This is just another example of Iran's flagrant abuse of human rights.
We must not forget the daily atrocities going on inside Iran. The Iranian people deserve the dignity, respect, and freedom they have been denied for far too long.