Leahy Comments on Attacks on Protesters and Journalists in the Mideast

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following are the comments of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt., chairman, Senate Subcommittee on State Department and Foreign Operations, and author of the 'Leahy Law') on attacks on protesters and journalists in the Mideast:

"To a watching world, the vicious and orchestrated attacks on civilian protestors and journalists in Bahrain, Libya, Iran and elsewhere in the region are repugnant. They deserve condemnation by other governments and official actions that are appropriate to these deplorable offenses against commonly held principles.

"U.S. law prohibits aid to foreign security forces that violate human rights, and there is evidence to apply the law today in Bahrain. I have asked the State Department to consider the application of our law and I urge a prompt decision. Attacks on civilians calling for political reform and on the press are assaults on the human rights and dignity of all people."

SOURCE Office of U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy