Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Denounces the Killings at Camp Ashraf
Press Release
Today, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation Security and a senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement examining the recent attack at Camp Ashraf.
On Sunday April 3, 2011, Iraqi soldiers equipped with tanks entered Camp Ashraf. At least three Iranians were killed and 14 wounded, while six Iraqi soldiers were injured. U.S. forces handed over the responsibility for security at the camp to Iraqi authorities in February 2009.
"I want to express my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack at Camp Ashraf in Iraq. I believe the military actions taken by the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki are a clear violation of a written promise to the United States to protect these refugees," commented Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
This is not the first incident of this kind at Camp Ashraf. On July 28, 2009, Iraqi Security Forces conducted a raid on the Camp. The raid occurred five months after the U.S. passed control of Camp Ashraf to the government of Iraq. This attack resulted in the death of 11 refugees and the injury of over 400 more.
"I believe this tragedy should further underscore the need for Iraqi officials to protect Camp Ashraf residences. I call for the immediate removal of military forces from the camp's demilitarized interior and I will call upon the US State Department to demand that Iraq cease the violence in Camp Ashraf," commented Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
"I have stated time and again, the only effective way to achieve lasting peace and prosperity in the region, along with bringing about reforms in Iran's polity, is to assist the Iranian people in their quest to achieve political, social, and religious liberty," commented Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has long been an advocate of a free, independent, and democratic Iran.
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