Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has caused a stir among Iranian dissidents by deciding to stall a bill aimed at sanctioning the Iranian government for its long history of human rights abuses. The bill, known as the MAHSA Act, was intended to impose sanctions on key figures in the Iranian regime, including the Supreme Leader and the President, for their roles in human rights violations and support for terrorism.
The decision to halt the progress of the bill was communicated to Iranian-American activist Nick Nikbakht in a December 21 email from Senator Cardin’s office, which stated, “At this time, our office will not be moving forward with this bill.” This announcement has been met with disappointment and frustration from those advocating for human rights in Iran.
The MAHSA Act, named after Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in the custody of Iran’s Morality Police, was overwhelmingly passed by the House on September 12, 2023. Amini’s death sparked widespread protests across Iran, calling for women’s rights and the end of the theocratic regime. The Act highlights the Iranian security forces’ violent crackdown on these protests, including mass arrests, beatings, and the use of live ammunition, resulting in the deaths and injuries of hundreds, including women and children.
Representative Jim Banks (R-IN), the sponsor of the MAHSA Act, criticized the delay, stating, “Senate Democrats are delaying Israel aid while refusing to sanction Iran, the leading state backer of terrorism and the sworn enemy of Israel. We’re letting our enemies off the hook and leaving our allies in the lurch. It’s a recipe for chaos.”
The National Union for Democracy in Iran has also expressed support for the MAHSA Act, emphasizing its importance in standing with the people of Iran in their fight for freedom and democracy. The organization views the Act as a crucial step in recognizing the Islamic Republic regime in Iran as a brutal dictatorship, unworthy of engagement, and deserving of America’s solidarity with its opponents.
Senator Cardin’s decision to stall the bill has raised questions about the U.S. commitment to holding the Iranian regime accountable for its actions and supporting the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom and human rights.