Madam Speaker, watching the growing protests in my home country in demand of justice for 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, I ask myself how I would have coped if this tragedy and murder had occurred to my own daughter.
The heart-wrenching murder of this young woman at the hands of Iran’s morality police is yet another demonstration of the unconscionable atrocities and continued violence inflicted by Iran's oppressive regime. The demands of the Iranian people and those of us living in the diaspora are simple. We demand justice, accountability and an end to the cruelty of the Iranian regime.
In bold acts of defiance and at the risk of losing their lives, the brave people of Iran, led by women at the forefront, are rushing to the streets in protest, but their voices are silenced through Internet shutdowns and the killing of protesters.
When you see the news, ask yourself: What would you do if it were your mother, sister, wife or daughter in the headlines?
In solidarity with the women and people of Iran, join me in the chant that has swept the nation: “Woman, life, freedom.”
Zan, Zendegi, Azadi.