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Item # 47
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
June 6, 2023
TOPIC: Resolution Condemning the Violence Perpetrated by Iran
AGENDA TITLE
Resolution Declaring Support of the Iranian-American Community and Condemning the
Violence Perpetrated by the Government of Iran against its People
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt a resolution declaring support of the Iranian-American community and
condemning the violence perpetrated by the government of Iran against its people.
DISCUSSION
At the May 16, 2023 City Council meeting, Mayor Amezcua directed staff to prepare a
resolution condemning the Iranian government for violent acts against its people.
Background
In September 2022, Iranian citizen Mahsa Amini was arrested and held by Iranian police
authorities for allegedly breaking hijab (headscarf) regulations and failing to properly
cover her hair. While in jail, she allegedly suffered a heart attack and passed away on
September 16. However, eyewitnesses, including women who were detained with
Amini, reported that she was severely beaten by police and that she died as a result of
police brutality. The Iranian authorities deny these allegations. In response to Amini’s
mysterious death, protests broke out all around the world. Since her passing, there have
been protests where demonstrators have voiced their displeasure at the cruelty of the
morality police.
Resolution
Attached for consideration by the City Council is a resolution (Exhibit 1) supporting the
Iranian-American community and condemning the violence perpetrated by the
government of Iran against its people. The City Council stands with the Iranian-
American community, along with the Iranian women who are suffering injustices in Iran.
Furthermore, the City Council condemns the violent acts that are occurring in Iran and
calls upon the Iranian government to end its systemic human rights violations.
Resolution Condemning the Violence Perpetrated by Iran
June 6, 2023
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FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Resolution
Submitted By: Kristine Ridge, City Manager
Approved By: Kristine Ridge, City Manager
Resolution No. 2023-XXX
Page 1 of 2
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE SANTA ANA CITY COUNCIL DECLARING
SUPPORT OF THE IRANIAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY AND
CONDEMNING THE VIOLENCE PERPETRATED BY THE
GOVERNMENT OF IRAN AGAINST ITS PEOPLE
WHEREAS, the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are endowed to all men
and women by their Creator; and
WHEREAS, the circumstances surrounding the death of Mahsa (Zina) Amini on
September 16, 2022 are inexcusable, as she was arrested and taken into custody by Iran’s
Guidance Patrol, or morality police, for allegedly not properly wearing her state-mandated hijab;
and
WHEREAS, the tragic death of Mahsa (Zina) Amini has inspired numerous and ongoing
protests throughout Iran, resulting in thousands of arrests to extinguish the voices of journalists,
media figures, and members of the public who seek to amplify Iranian’s desire for personal
freedoms, which the government of Iran has now blamed on the United States; and
WHEREAS, over the last 43 years, the government of Iran has committed numerous acts
of violence and human rights violations against its own people, particularly against women and
students; and
WHEREAS, since Mahsa (Zina) Amini’s death alone, the government of Iran has been
responsible for the killing of more than 200 civilians; the gassing of those protesting for women,
life, and freedom; the brutal crackdown of university students’ protests including at Sharif
University of Technology; the threatening of sexual violence as a means of silencing opposition;
and the burning of Evin Prison that holds political prisoners, intellectuals, reporters, and
journalists; and
WHEREAS, the government of Iran has restricted the people's access to internet, phone,
and other forms of communication.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana as
follows:
Section 1. The City of Santa Ana stands with its Iranian-American community members,
particularly Iranian-American women, as their relatives and associates are suffering through the
current injustices in Iran.
Section 2. The City of Santa Ana condemns the violent acts that are being perpetrated
against the Iranian people.
Resolution No. 2023-XXX
Page 2 of 2
Section 3. The City of Santa Ana calls upon the government of Iran to end its systemic
human rights violations.
Section 4. The City of Santa Ana calls upon other governments to join in the support
of Iranians, in Iran and abroad, and the condemnation of the government of Iran’s violent acts
against its own people.
Section 5. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City
Council, and the City Clerk shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution.
ADOPTED this ____ day of June, 2023.
Valerie Amezcua
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. Carvalho
City Attorney
By:
John M. Funk
Chief Assistant City Attorney
AYES: Councilmembers
NOES: Councilmembers
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers
NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, Jennifer L. Hall, City Clerk, do hereby certify the attached Resolution No. 2023-XXX to be the
original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on ________________,
2023.
Date:
Jennifer L. Hall
City Clerk
City of Santa Ana