Statement by the U.S. President on the Anniversary of Mahsa: We Will Remain Committed to Standing by the People of Iran

Joe Biden, the President of the United States, has issued a statement on the anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death. In the statement published on the White House website, he said: "Jill and I, along with people around the world, remember her and all the brave Iranian citizens who have been killed, injured, or imprisoned by the Iranian regime for their peaceful demands for democracy and human dignity." The statement further references the global impact of the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement. The U.S. President stated that Mahsa's story did not end with her 'brutal killing' but instead inspired the historic 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement, affecting Iran and people worldwide who tirelessly defend gender equality and respect for human rights. Mr. Biden emphasized the ongoing commitment of Iranian citizens to this movement and their struggle for a free and democratic future despite the government's violence, stating that Iranians will determine their own country's fate, while the U.S. remains committed to standing by them and providing tools to empower them in defending their future. The U.S. President condemned all forms of gender-based violence against women and girls, including women human rights defenders who are often targeted for raising their voices, asserting that they will always protest against this issue. The statement also highlighted U.S. actions in support of the Iranian people, including responding to their requests and organizing an 'unprecedented' diplomatic campaign to remove the Islamic Republic of Iran from the UN Women’s Commission and establishing a fact-finding committee to investigate human rights violations. Additionally, the U.S. has assisted numerous human rights activists in seeking refuge and living safely in America. Meanwhile, access to the internet for Iranians has been made easier through U.S. efforts, with 30 million Iranians—one in three—using U.S.-supported anti-censorship tools during the peak of protests. The statement also mentioned sanctions against over 70 individuals and entities involved in supporting the oppression of the Iranian regime against its people and further sanctions against several 'egregious human rights violators' in Iran on the anniversary of Mahsa. The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced on Friday, September 15, that it sanctioned 29 officials and entities responsible for the violent repression of peaceful Iranian protesters. In conclusion, the U.S. President stated: "Today, as we remember the heartbreaking death of Mahsa, we reaffirm our commitment to the brave people of Iran who continue her mission, standing alongside them with our allies."