AJC Statement on Senator Robert Menendez

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Apr 01, 2015, 05:08 ET

NEW YORK, April 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC issued the following statement today upon the announcement that a federal grand jury in Newark, N.J., has indicted Senator Robert Menendez:

"AJC has had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Senator Menendez and working with him on a range of public policy issues over the years.

"His leadership in the defense of American values and interests around the world has been admirable, his thoughtful analysis of the threats posed by a nuclear-capable Iran persuasive, his identification with the aspirations and security concerns of Israel forthright and deeply appreciated, and his support for the protection of human rights, human dignity, and civil rights unflinching.

"Senator Menendez has stood up for victimized nations, persecuted minorities, and the least fortunate here at home. He has been a strong and clear voice for the interests of New Jersey – and for principled U.S. leadership in international forums.

"From AJC's vantage point, our nation has been strengthened significantly in so many meaningful ways by the Senator's long record of public service.

"Regarding this week's news of a federal indictment, unless and until the government proves its case, the Senator is presumed to be innocent. We, therefore, intend to continue to work with him closely, as we have throughout his tenure. His leadership on pressing policy issues is too important to be silenced on anything less than proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee