For Immediate Release
January 7, 2011
PRESS RELEASE
CONGRESSWOMAN JACKSON LEE CONDEMNS TODAY’S ATTACKS IN CAMP ASHRAF
More than 100 people injured, including 55 women
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), a senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs, Judiciary, and Homeland Security Committees, condemns the attacks that took place early today in Camp Ashraf, leaving over 108 injured including 55 women.
Camp Ashraf is home to approximately 3,400 Iranian exiles dedicated to the Iranian opposition movement. Under the Fourth Geneva Convention, the people of Camp Ashraf have all been granted “Protected Persons” status. United States forces guarded Camp Ashraf from the time of the 2003 invasion up until security was handed over to the Iraqi government.
Around noon today, the assailants began hurling rocks, bricks and other objects at Ashraf residents, injuring over 108 residents including 55 women.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee stated, “I have long been an advocate for human rights and freedom for the people of Iran. I have also supported legislation and written letters that call upon the Iraqi government and the President of the United States to ensure the security and protection of Camp Ashraf residents. Although Camp Ashraf is halfway around the world, the conditions there affect Americans, including in my own district and throughout the state of Texas, since some of my constituents have family members living in Camp Ashraf. The protection of the residents of Camp Ashraf is an important priority that I care a lot about.”
The Fourth Geneva Convention protects the residents of Camp Ashraf and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will continue to fight against and condemn actions like the ones that took place earlier today at Camp Ashraf. Congresswoman Jackson Lee added, “I will be steadfast in my support for the life, liberty, and dignity of the Iranian people to be free from oppression and persecution.”
