FOR RELEASE: July 13, 2005 CONTACT: Norm Kurz, 202-224-8895
BIDEN STATEMENT ON IRANIAN PRISONERS
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Senator Joe Biden (D-DE), the top Democrat on the
Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement:
“The Iranian government should release Akbar Ganji immediately and unconditionally.
Ganji is a symbol of courage and a source of inspiration as he defies the forces of repression
and intimidation that keep the hardline Mullahs in power. The Iranian government must also
free Siamak Pourzand, who is in a hospital but is being prevented from leaving the country for
required medical care. Pourzand also must have unrestricted access to his immediate family.
The Iranian government should know that they will be held accountable for the welfare of both
men. I urge others in the international community to join the United States in demanding that
Iran live up to international human rights standards and release all political prisoners.”
###
Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
UNITED STATES SENATOR - DELAWARE
http://www.senate.gov/ —biden
SP00164
