SI congressman wants Iranian human rights sanctions

Iran gov forces deploy during riots in Tehran, December 2009 (AP Photo)

Rep. Michael McMahon (D-SI/Bklyn) yesterday introduced legislation that will sanction members of the Iranian government who engage in human rights abuses.

“Iran cannot continue with its flagrant violations of its international responsibilities,” said Rep. McMahon.

 “These targeted sanctions are a clear sign to Iran that the world is watching them and that America supports the Iranian people who continue to fight for freedom and justice."

The legislation is a companion bill to the legislation introduced in the Senate by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT).

The measure requires President Obama to maintain a public list of names of Iranians who have perpetrated human rights abuses against Iranian citizens since the country’s presidential election on June 12, 2009.

Individuals on the list will be subject to targeted sanctions, including a visa ban and financial restrictions.
 
According to Congressman McMahon, these sanctions will only expire when President Obama can certify to Congress that Iran has taken tangible steps to end human rights abuses, including the release of all political prisoners.

Congressman McMahon represents New York's 13th Congressional District, which includes all of Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn.

Street protests in Iran have erupted on a number occasions since the 2009 election of President Ahmadinejad, which many claim was fraudulent.

Those protests have been met with harsh government counter-measures, including widespread arrests and beatings.

Some recent related articles--click to link:

December 2009—Iranian riot update and photos

S-300 air defense missiles: Russia stalls, Iran fumes

John Signoriello can be contacted by email at  siexaminer@yahoo.com