Washington, DC – In response to reports of crackdowns on protests in Iran that have killed over 500 protesters, J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami issued the following statement:
“We are inspired by the bravery of the Iranian protesters who have taken to the streets to demand accountable leadership, reforms and relief from an economy hollowed out by corruption, mismanagement and the consequences of the regime’s irresponsible and destabilizing foreign policy.
We are horrified by reports that the Iranian government and security services have killed more than 500 protesters in a series of brutal crackdowns over the past few days. Amid a government-imposed communications blackout, we are deeply fearful that the true number could be far higher as the government continues to demonize protesters as terrorists and respond with indiscriminate violence.
We stand unequivocally with the Iranian people in their demand for human rights, democracy and an end to the suffering imposed by a brutal and unaccountable regime. Iran’s government must immediately halt this crackdown and respect the fundamental freedoms of its citizens.
We support the US government and the American people in expressing solidarity with the Iranian protesters and pursuing policies and non-military actions that can assist them in their cause. We oppose US military action, which we are deeply skeptical would make a meaningful positive difference at the moment, and is more likely to result in unintended violent consequences.”