Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s team hailed the filing of criminal charges against Turkish security officials who beat American protestors as a rebuke of those “who use intimidation and violence to stifle freedom of speech” on Thursday.

“The charges filed against 12 Turkish security officials send a clear message that the United States does not tolerate individuals who use intimidation and violence to stifle freedom of speech and legitimate political expression,” Tillerson wrote in a message read to the press corps by spokeswoman Heather Nauert. “The State Department will continue to work with law enforcement and the relevant legal authorities in the case. When an outcome is reached, the department will determine if any additional steps will be taken.”