Iran Democracy Act - May 24, 2003

The "Iran Democracy Act" was introduced at a news conference on Monday, May 19, 2003, by Senator Sam Brownback and Senator John Cornyn. This act discusses a replacement government in Iran that would implement freedom, democracy, and human rights in the country. Senator Cornyn states that seven years have passed since the so-called reformists came to power in Iran, and it is clear that the repressive regime continues to operate on its previous foundations. Senator Cornyn further mentions that, as Senator Brownback pointed out, Iran is listed at the top of the U.S. State Department's 2002 list as a state that supports terrorism worldwide, providing financial, educational, and military resources as well as a safe haven for terrorist groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad. Senator Cornyn continues by saying that the approval of the "Iran Democracy Act" would facilitate a referendum in the country under international supervision. This referendum would allow the people of Iran to express whether they support the current fundamentalist government or the establishment of a new government based on respect for freedom and human rights. Senator Brownback then introduces Iranians who have come to testify about the torture and inhumane actions of the Iranian government, mentioning Bahman Rahbari, an Iranian living in Texas who was a fighter pilot. Bahman Rahbari suffered torture for five years in Iranian prisons and wants to inform us about his experiences. Senator Brownback asks him to describe what exactly happened to him to the reporters present. Bahman Rahbari begins to speak, stating that he was an Iranian Air Force pilot arrested in connection with the "Nojeh" coup and spent five years in Iranian prisons. Senator Brownback asks what years this was, and Bahman Rahbari responds that it was from 1980 to 1985. He then recounts that during the first six months of his imprisonment, he was tortured day and night, his eyes were covered, and all his teeth were broken. He emotionally conveys that the treatment he received there was worse than what is done to animals here. He refers to this regime as the "Taliban of Iran," claiming there is no difference between them. Iranian-American groups have also supported the "Iran Democracy Act," including the Iranian Council of the Republican Party of America, which wrote a letter to Senator Brownback stating: "As Americans proud of our Iranian heritage, we stand with President George W. Bush and all those who stand with the brave people of Iran, who seek to establish democracy, respect for human rights, and economic prosperity in Iran."