Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Washington, D.C.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: One year ago, a young Iranian woman, Mahsa “Zhina” Amini, died in the custody of the regime’s so-called “morality police.” She had been arrested for supposedly doing something that should not have been a crime in the first place: wearing her hijab too loosely.
As news of her death spread, so did a nationwide movement led by Iranian women and young people calling for “Woman, Life, Freedom.”
In response, the Iranian Government brutally crushed these peaceful protests. Killing hundreds of demonstrators, including children. Arresting thousands more. Beating detainees and committing gender-based violence. Holding sham trials and hasty executions.
The United States has joined countries around the world in supporting the Iranian people in their pursuit of justice, accountability, and respect for their human rights – during the protests and throughout the last year. When the Iranian regime throttled internet access, we helped provide technologies to get people online, so they could share information and exercise their right to free expression. We helped establish an independent, fact-finding mission through the United Nations. We’ve also sanctioned over 70 officials and organizations involved in the repression. Today, we are announcing new sanctions against 29 other individuals and entities in connection with the Iranian regime’s human rights abuses.
The United States will continue to support Iranians – and all people – who are defending their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
And today, we join people from across the globe in honoring the memory of Mahsa Amini and those killed.
As the epitaph on Ms. Amini’s grave reads, “ name will become a symbol.” Indeed, it has. And it will always be a reminder of the courage of the Iranian people.
