U.S. House unanimously adopts resolution condemning Erdogan-ordered attack on D.C. protesters

YEREVAN, JUNE 7, ARMENPRESS. With a vote of 397 to 0, the U.S. House of Representatives on June 6 unanimously condemned Turkey, sharply criticizing the brutal May 16th Erdogan-ordered attack against peaceful protesters in Washington DC, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce led House Floor discussion of the measure, noting, “the violent attacks by officers assigned to Turkish President Erdogan's security detail against peaceful protesters back on May 16 were designed to do one thing: they were designed to silence those protesters' criticism of the Turkish government. And that is why it is so important that we speak out. We must speak loudly and clearly that we will protect our citizens and their fundamental rights to free speech and to assembly.”

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) was adamant in his condemnation of the attacks. “It should be clear to Turkey and to all nations that we will oppose any attempt to suppress dissent or the freedom of speech”.

New York Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D) noted, “Erdogan simply decided to treat Americans the way he treats his own people. His guards even had the nerve to attack law enforcement officials who were protecting him and his delegation. This behavior cannot stand. And the resolution before us sends a clear, decisive message that congress won't tolerate it.”

ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian welcomed the House’s such decision stating: “After far too many years of appeasing Ankara - turning a blind eye to its genocidal horrors, abuses at home, and aggression abroad - the United States, starting with the House of Representatives - today turned an important corner, challenging Turkey's violence and confronting its increasingly anti-American conduct.”

H.Res.354 was spearheaded by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA), Ranking Democrat Eliot Engel (D-NY), House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD).

The Resolution states “after hours of peaceful protest, violence erupted when pro-Erdogan supporters and individuals from the Turkish Embassy grounds pushed past District of Columbia police officers to brutally attack the demonstrators. The Resolution expressed deep concern that “Turkish officials blatantly suppressed the First Amendment rights of United States citizens, and multiple armed Turkish security officials beat, kicked, and choked unarmed demonstrators”. In addition, the Resolution noted that the Washington Metropolitan Police Department and other reports confirm that “the demonstrators did not instigate the violence”, and that this is the third instance of violence perpetrated in the U.S. by members of Turkish President Erdogan's security detail. The Resolution calls for “any Turkish security officials who directed, oversaw, or participated in efforts by Turkish security forces to illegally suppress peaceful protests on May 16, 2017, should be charged and prosecuted under United States law”. Taking a strong stand against the growing trend of repressive authoritarianism in Turkey, H.Res. 354 states that “the United States should take steps to strengthen freedoms for the press and civil society in countries such as Turkey, and combat efforts by foreign leaders to suppress free and peaceful protest in their own countries”.