2013 Briefing Book - Print Version - Aipac

IRAN
What Congress Has Done to Oppose Iran’s
Human Rights Violations
Condemned and Sanctioned Iranian Human Rights Violators. During the past 30
years, Congress has passed dozens of resolutions condemning systematic human
rights violations and the denial of basic freedoms in Iran. In 2010, as part of the
Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act (CISADA),
Congress for the first time mandated sanctions against individuals responsible for
the massive human rights abuses and government crackdown following the 2009
election. The Obama administration has sanctioned multiple Iranian officials,
including the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and the
minister of intelligence. The 2012 Iran Threat Reduction Act also called for sanctions
on individuals responsible for human rights abuses against Iranian citizens following
the 2009 elections and on persons who engage in censorship or related activities
against citizens of Iran.
Urged Greater Scrutiny of Repression in Iran. Congress has also urged the administration
and the international community to put greater diplomatic emphasis on Iranian human
rights violations. Congress has supported the U.S.-led efforts in the United Nations
to condemn Iran’s record. Every year for the past seven years, the General Assembly
has passed a resolution sponsored by the United States and Canada condemning the
“serious ongoing and recurring human rights violations” in Iran.
Provided Funding for Democracy Activists. Beginning with the fiscal year 2004
appropriations bill, Congress has provided financial support for the promotion of
democracy in Iran. During the past eight years, more than $50 million has been
appropriated for such efforts. In 2006, Congress passed the Iran Freedom Support
Act, which declared that the policy of the United States should be to support human
rights and democracy promotion in Iran.
Supported Media and Internet Freedom in Iran. Congress placed greater focus on
Internet technology as the Iranian regime increased censorship and attacked new
media to prevent the flow of information and ideas. In February 2010, at the urging
of Congress, the administration provided licenses to export anti-censorship software
to Iranian democracy activists. As part of CISADA, Congress also prohibited
government contracts to any company that provides the regime with technology used
to monitor and restrict free speech.
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