Cartoon by Maahdiye Jafari

US lawmakers introduce Iran human rights, internet freedom bill

Iran International: Two US lawmakers introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at supporting human rights in Iran and expanding internet access for Iranians while increasing accountability on Tehran.

House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Mike Lawler and Ranking Member Brad Sherman introduced the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act in Washington on Tuesday.

“The Iranian regime fears one thing above all else: a connected, informed population,” Lawler said in a statement. “Comprehensive legislation is needed to expand internet freedom and target the financial networks of corrupt officials.”

Sherman said the bill seeks to back Iranians protesting for freedom.

“I’m proud to join my colleague Congressman Lawler in introducing legislation to stand with these brave protesters by creating a new, whole of government strategy to take down this regime,” he added.

The bill includes provisions condemning protest crackdowns, calling for the release of political prisoners, expanding funding for internet freedom programs and directing US agencies to develop tools to bypass censorship and disrupt Iranian officials’ financial networks.