Congressmen Cohen and McClintock denounce regime’s brutality, call for solidarity with Iranian people
On July 30, 2025 — In a strong bipartisan condemnation of Iran’s ongoing human rights abuses, Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Congressman Tom McClintock (R-CA)—co-chairs of the Congressional Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus—issued a joint statement denouncing the recent execution of two Iranian political prisoners, Behrooz Ehsani, 69, and Mehdi Hassani, 48.
The executions, carried out on Sunday, July 27 in Ghezel Hesar prison, were described by the lawmakers as a “horrifying display of brutality”, reinforcing the regime’s determination to quash dissent at all costs.
“This act of repression underscores the regime’s relentless assault on human rights and its unyielding commitment to suppress dissent,” the statement read.
According to reports, the executions followed sham trials held by Iran’s judiciary—widely condemned for its lack of transparency and systemic violations of due process. The announcement of the executions, the lawmakers emphasized, came with a “troubling lack of shame,” further revealing the regime’s disregard for human life and basic freedoms.
A Call for Accountability and Solidarity
Congressmen Cohen and McClintock expressed firm solidarity with the Iranian people’s struggle for justice, liberty, and human dignity, vowing continued support for those resisting authoritarianism.
“We must hold the Iranian regime accountable and support the people of Iran in their pursuit of freedom,” the statement continued.
They also urged fellow lawmakers and human rights advocates around the world to speak out against Tehran’s human rights violations and to amplify the voices of the oppressed.
Bipartisan Support for Iranian Human Rights
The statement by the co-chairs of the Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus reflects a growing bipartisan concern in Washington over the Iranian regime’s intensifying campaign of repression. The recent executions have sparked outrage among human rights organizations and Iranian diaspora communities.
This latest condemnation adds to a chorus of voices demanding greater international pressure on the Iranian regime and accountability for its widespread use of the death penalty, especially against political dissidents.
Background: The Victims
- Behrooz Ehsani, 69, and Mehdi Hassani, 48, were affiliated with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK).
- Both men were reportedly tortured during detention and denied access to fair legal representation.
- Their execution marks a deepening crackdown on dissent as the regime faces increasing unrest and domestic instability.
