Rockland Reporter

On May 31, 2024, Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) joined his colleagues Young Kim (R-CA-40), Adam Schiff (D-CA-30), and David Trone (D-MD-06) in introducing the Targeting Oppressive Officers to Mitigate Abuse in the Iranian Judiciary (TOOMAJ) Act. This legislation aims to support Iranian citizens peacefully protesting against human rights abuses, unjust crackdowns, and executions without due process.

The TOOMAJ Act proposes targeted sanctions against specific judges, prosecutors, and investigators within the 70 branches of the Islamic Revolutionary Courts of Iran. It also formalizes the United States' stance that judgments issued by these courts against political prisoners are violations of human rights. The act is named after Toomaj Salehi, an Iranian rapper and political dissident sentenced to death this month for detailing torture he experienced while under arrest for protesting the Iranian regime.

“Not only does the Iranian regime export terror and death across the world, but they relentlessly oppress and persecute their own people as well,” said Congressman Lawler. “That’s why I was proud to cosponsor the MAHSA Act signed into law earlier this year to sanction the Iranian regime for its human rights abuses and it’s why I’m proud to work with Representative Kim and colleagues from both parties to introduce the TOOMAJ Act imposing new sanctions on the corrupt Iranian judicial system for its persecution of political prisoners. The U.S. is a beacon of hope to all who suffer oppression across the world, and we must continue to lead by example, letting those who suffer at the hands of tyrannical governments like the Islamic Republic know that we unequivocally stand with them.”

“Toomaj Salehi has used his platform to give a voice to the voiceless and bravely speak out against the Iran regime’s torture, abuse, and crackdown against the free will of the Iranian people. Unfortunately, he is just the latest victim of the regime’s cruelty,” said Congresswoman Kim. “As we see Iran sponsor terrorism around the world and increase aggression against our allies, the United States must push back and lead in promoting freedom and human rights. The TOOMAJ Act allows us to stand side by side with Toomaj and other peaceful protestors demanding basic human rights and take targeted action against the Iran regime. I am proud to lead this bipartisan, commonsense bill and will fight to get this through the finish line.”

“Toomaj Salehi was wrongfully sentenced to death by the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Iran. His crime? Calling for accountability for the Iranian regime through music. His courage and steadfast vision of human rights in Iran are an inspiration to us all and I am proud to join my colleagues in leading this bipartisan bill which will help hold the Iranian regime responsible,” said Congressman Schiff.

“The increased patterns of brutality by the Iranian government are incredibly concerning, and this legislation seeks to bring accountability to those responsible and help improve lives suffering from human rights abuses,” said Congressman Trone, Co-Chair of the Abraham Accords Caucus. “As more civilians in Iran become victims of its regime, it is on all of us to stand up and defend core ideals of democracy—freedom for all. Working together, we can do just that.”

Congressman Lawler is one of Congress's most bipartisan members representing New York's 17th Congressional District north of New York City including parts or all Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Westchester Counties.

The full text of TOOMAJ Act can be viewed HERE.