U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

09/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/16/2024 16:45

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Week Ahead: September 16 – 20

WASHINGTON - This week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will convene for two press events.

MEDIA POLICY: Seating is limited. All members of the media must RSVP to reserve a seat for public hearings, business meetings, on the record briefings, and Committee events by emailing Eric Harris at[email protected].Cameras and audio recordings are not allowed in room S-116 for business meetings and markups.

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Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Press Event

Hosting: Chair Ben Cardin (D-Md.)

2:30 p.m. ET

SD-419

WHAT

On Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 2:30pm ET, the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will host "Set Them Free: Recognizing Vladimir Kara-Murza and Prisoners of the Kremlin," an event dedicated to advocating for those unjustly detained by Russia. The event follows the April media event that highlighted the cases of Vladimir Kara-Murza and other political prisoners held by the Putin regime.

Recently freed from wrongful imprisonment, Kara-Murza has become a powerful advocate for those still incarcerated. The event will celebrate Kara-Murza's release while renewing calls for the liberation of others unjustly detained. Members of Congress, human rights advocates, and leaders from prominent international organizations will discuss the ongoing fight for justice, share updates on the plight of political prisoners, and highlight the role of Russian democracy activists in advancing human rights and democratic governance.

WHO

  • Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair, Senate Foreign Relations Committee
  • Vladimir Kara-Murza, Russian opposition leader and human rights advocate
  • Evgenia Kara-Murza, human rights advocate
  • Damon Wilson, President and CEO, National Endowment for Democracy
  • Natalia Arno, President of the Free Russia Foundation
  • Bipartisan Group of Members of Congress

WHEN

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

2:30pm - 3:30pm ET

WHERE

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing Room

SD-419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.

MEDIA

Reporters and media outlets must RSVP with Eric Harris and receive

confirmation to attend this event. Email: [email protected] to

RSVP or to learn more about this event.

________________________________________

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Press Event

Hosting: Chair Ben Cardin (D-Md.)

3:00 p.m. ET

SD-419

WHAT

On Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 3:00pm ET, the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations will host "Honoring Jimmy Lai: A Stand for Democracy and Press Freedom in Hong Kong," an event to celebrate Jimmy Lai's commitment to democracy, demand his release and the release of other political prisoners in Hong Kong, and elevate the global call for press freedom, free speech, and human rights.

Sebastien Lai, Jimmy's son, will be joined by members of Congress, human rights advocates, and NGO leaders to shine a light on the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong authorities' escalating assault on fundamental freedoms, including the freedoms of the press, expression, and assembly. As part of this event, a series of video messages from human rights defenders, journalists, and activists will also be showcased. These messages will express solidarity with those like Jimmy Lai and the Hong Kong 47 - individuals who have been unjustly persecuted for their role in defending democracy - while emphasizing the vital connection between free speech, press freedom, and democracy.

WHO

  • Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair, U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
  • Sebastien Lai, son of Jimmy Lai
  • Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11)
  • Jodie Ginsberg, Chief Executive Officer, Committee to Protect Journalists
  • Mark L. Clifford, President, Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation
  • Anna Kwok, Executive Director, Hong Kong Democracy Council (HKDC)
  • Bipartisan Group of Members of Congress
  • Nonprofit and human rights advocates

WHEN

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

3:00pm - 4:00pm ET

WHERE

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing Room

SD-419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.

MEDIA

Reporters and media outlets must RSVP with Eric Harris and receive confirmation to attend this event or receive a livestream link. Email: [email protected] to RSVP or to learn more about this event.

__________________________________________

Members of the press should RSVP for public hearings, business meetings, and events by emailing Eric Harris at [email protected].

No signs or paraphernalia are permitted to be brought into a hearing room by the general public.

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