Repression in Iran and Syria

By Hillary Rodham Clinton

June 14, 2011

Two years ago this week, Iranian citizens went to the polls in the hopes of expressing their democratic rights. But the authorities in Tehran had no interest in the will of the people. When the people reached for their aspirations, the government responded with brutal repression.

Two years later, that repression continues. And today in Syria, Iran is supporting the Asad regime’s vicious assaults on peaceful protesters and military actions against its own cities. The world was shocked by images of a 13-year-old Syrian boy, tortured and mutilated by Syrian security forces. It reminded us of a young Iranian woman, killed in the street two years ago for all to see.

As we remember the terror and tragedy that accompanied Iran's crackdown, and as we work with the international community to increase the pressure on Asad and his regime, let us renew our resolve to stand with citizens -- including the citizens of Syria and Iran -- who yearn to be free and to exercise their universal rights.