[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 43 (Thursday, March 17, 2016)] [House] [Page H1422] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] FREE SPEECH IS UNDER ASSAULT IN TURKEY (Mr. PERRY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, free speech and the freedom of the press are under assault in Turkey. No longer can the United States turn a blind eye as an increasingly authoritarian regime continues to crack down on virtually all critical voices. The harassment, intimidation, and prosecution of dissenting journalists and citizens as well as the government takeover of critical media outlets represents the antithesis of free speech and a free press. These are not the actions of a nation that respects democratic values. Beyond the obvious consequences, by continuing on this path, the regime risks destabilization and pushing the persecuted into the arms of Islamist extremism. Right now, today, Turkey's leadership should embrace the marketplace of ideas that is a part of any vibrant, real, and sincere democracy. ____________________