Washington ? It was years before Roya Sepehrrad could speak of being tortured in an Iranian prison, but even as she fought back tears, her voice rang out in a cramped Capitol room.

“Many of my friends were raped the night before their execution,” she said. “This so-called sacrifice is to prevent a virgin from going to heaven.”

Two senators asked Sepehrrad and other exiles to speak Monday on behalf of legislation designed to help Iranian dissidents bring democracy to their government.

Arrested at 14 for selling newspapers and planning demonstrations, Sepehrrad went on trial after one year of imprisonment and was sentenced to seven more. Today an American citizen who lives in Virginia, she said Iranian clerics extorted her family’s wealth in exchange for her life.

“I’m here today to ask the United States to listen to Iranian people — the fundamentalists who rule Iran do not represent the people of Iran,” she said. “And negotiation with the fundamentalist government of Iran is increasing the threat of terrorism around the world.”

Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., apologized for asking his guests to relive the agony they endured. He said it was critical for people to understand the nature of Iran’s regime.

“It’s a terribly harsh reality, but it’s a reality that needs to be seen,” Brownback said.

The bill is designed to allow U.S. dollars to help expand pro-democracy broadcasting into Iran; it also would boost the influence of Iranian-Americans on the Persian radio service, Radio Farda.

In addition, the measure makes it official that American policy supports an internationally monitored referendum in Iran allowing for a peaceful change in government. The bill states the United States will support the people of Iran in a peaceful struggle for freedom rather than engaging the current government.

The bill is called the “Iran Democracy Act.” Brownback, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the measure was similar to lawmakers’ efforts last month to fund opposition broadcasts during the war on Iraq.