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Diaz-Balart: Oppression by Castro Regime Continues to Escalate, Leading to Extreme Measures by Pro-Democracy Activists

August 1, 2016

MIAMI – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) released the following statement regarding pro-democracy leader Guillermo “Coco” Fariñas, who is entering the 12th day of hunger strike.

"The hunger strike by Guillermo Fariñas, recipient of the EU's Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, among other activists demonstrates the determination of Cuba's pro-democracy movement to resort to extreme measures in protesting the Castro regime's escalating repression. Sadly, these activists are resorting to such extreme measures so the world will see the malevolence of the tyranny that they face each day.

“Their message is received. The brutal Castro regime continues to hold our hemisphere's worst record on human rights and stifles dissent with beatings, arrests, and intimidation. I urge those who value basic rights to condemn the savagery of the Castro dictatorship and express solidarity with the Cuban people.

“Shamefully, President Obama's failed policy of appeasement has done nothing to help democracy activists, but has only emboldened their oppressors. President Obama claimed that part of the Obama-Castro December 2014 ‘deal’ was that international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross would have access to the island. Yet, this apparently was just another empty promise. As courageous activists risk their lives for freedom, holding the Castro regime to its commitment is the bare minimum that President Obama could do.”


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Issues:Cuba