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Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously adopted House Resolution 354, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).

On the passage of H. Res. 354, Chairman Royce said: "Armed members of President Erdogan's security detail savagely beat, choked and kicked protesters in an unprovoked assault aimed at silencing these American citizens' right to free speech and assembly.  This timely resolution sends a clear signal to the Turkish government that we will not allow any foreign government to stifle the rights of our citizens."

H. Res. 354 says that "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." The Resolution continues: "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."

Shocked to see Erdogan's thugs attacking peaceful protesters, Ranking Member Engel stated: "I had been invited, actually, to go to that meeting at the Turkish Embassy. I didn't go, and I'm glad I didn't go because I was just horrified when I heard what happened...This Resolution calls for those responsible to face justice. This is a much bigger issue. We've seen a troubling pattern from Turkey in recent years, but if Turkish government officials come to our country and try to stifle American democracy and freedom of speech, there must be consequences."

Along with other Members' statements, Rep. Chris Smith (D-NJ) stated that the Turkish bodyguards' violence was "especially egregious" and Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) said those actions were "absolutely appalling and will not be tolerated."

"The Armenian Assembly applauds the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Chairman Ed Royce along with Ranking Member Eliot Engel, for its swift consideration and passage of this bipartisan resolution in response to Turkey's assault against our most cherished and fundamental values. We urge the Senate to follow suit as well," stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.

Please follow this link for more information on House Resolution 354.