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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James B. Foley, Deputy Spokesman
December 14, 1998

Three dissident writers in Iran have disappeared in the last month and turned up dead. In addition, an opposition leader and his wife were stabbed to death. Forces in Iran are clearly attempting to stifle free expression and undermine the rule of law by way of brutal killings.

The United States strongly condemns these killings. We urge the Iranian leadership to protect the lives of all Iranian citizens, including writers and other voices of dissent, and to preserve the rule of law.

We have welcomed steps by the Government of Iran to ease restrictions on freedom of expression and have noted statements by President Khatami and others within his cabinet condemning these murders. However, the Government has a responsibility to protect those who peacefully express their views. We urge the government to bring those responsible to justice and to uphold the fundamental human right to freedom of conscience and belief. As we have so often in the past, we call for the release of all those serving sentences for the peaceful expression of their political or religious beliefs in Iran.

Secretary Albright has made it clear that the issue of freedom of conscience and belief is a central component of our human rights policy in Iran and around the world.

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