Duval Times

WASHINGTON, D.C.— On the third anniversary of Cuba's 'Patria y Vida' freedom protests, Senators Rick Scott, Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz introduced a resolution to denounce the Castro/Díaz-Canel regime for its oppression, persecution, and torture of Cubans. Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart leads the resolution in the House of Representatives with Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul and Representatives Carlos Giménez, Kat Cammack, María Elvira Salazar, Mike Waltz, Alex Mooney, Jenniffer González-Colón, and Nicole Malliotakis.

Senator Rick Scott stated: “Three years ago, the Cuban communist regime was weakened when people rose up to denounce the oppressive communist regime that has ruined their nation for over 60 years. Terrified by these demonstrations, the Castro/Díaz-Canel regime cracked down on these brave democracy activists and unjustly imprisoned thousands, including hundreds of children and peaceful pro-democracy figures. We cannot forget those who remain imprisoned like José Daniel Ferrer, Félix Navarro and his daughter Sayli Navarro, Carlos Michael and many others. Some like José Daniel Ferrer are at grave risk of death due to torture and inhumane conditions imposed by the regime. We will not cower before the oppression of Cuba’s illegitimate communist regime. We know that a new day of freedom and democracy is closer than ever in Cuba.”

Scott further criticized current U.S. policy: “Unfortunately, the Biden administration continues to fail the Cuban people while endangering U.S. security with weak appeasement policies towards the regime. This year we have seen Russian warships including a nuclear-powered submarine in Cuba while a Chinese Communist spy base grows just 90 miles from Florida’s shores threatening American security. All while President Biden seeks to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.”

Senator Marco Rubio remarked: “The July 11th protests in 2021 are a testament to the tenacity of the Cuban people and their unwavering desire to be free from tyranny. Today and every day we honor those brave individuals fighting for a democratic Cuba.”

Senator Ted Cruz added: “As a proud son of a courageous Cuban dissident I have heard firsthand from my father and aunt Sonia about the atrocious treatment dissidents have long endured at the hands of Cuban dictators. I commend those brave Cubans fighting against an oppressive regime for basic human rights and political freedoms.”

Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart noted: “Today we commemorate three years since Cubans risked everything for freedom taking to streets across provinces despite unjust imprisonment continuing today including minors at time of arrest.”

Díaz-Balart criticized U.S. policy changes under President Biden: “Sadly this administration has chosen to throw a lifeline to repressive anti-American dictatorship relaxing sanctions unilaterally allowing access again to U.S financial markets risking national security interests while malign activities continue blatant human rights abuses interference in our democracy inviting adversaries like Communist China establishing espionage bases on island inviting Russia naval exercises just 90 miles off our coast."

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said: "Three years after tens-of-thousands took peacefully protesting across country against Díaz-Canel's communist rule hundreds remain imprisoned facing indescribable brutality response calls democracy."

Congressman Carlos A. Giménez emphasized moral responsibility stating: "July 11th saw thousands demand end brutal communist oppression since then freedom fighters patriots like José Daniel Ferrer jailed speaking out against Castro's regime United States must morally denounce ongoing human rights violations urging Administration reconsider reckless appeasement policy demanding immediate release all political prisoners."

Congresswoman Kat Cammack expressed pride joining colleagues recognizing July 11th protests pivotal moment Cuban struggle for freedom saying joining resolution powerful way honor courage resilience opposing oppression highlighting human rights violations perpetrated by communist regime.

Since July 11th demonstrations began Senator Scott has consistently condemned brutal oppression by Castro/Díaz-Canel demanding action from Biden administration international leaders supporting Cuban people.

###