Diaz-Balart Remembers the Legacy of Orlando Zapata Tamayo

WASHINGTON, DC—Today Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) made the following statement upon learning about the death of Orlando Zapata Tamayo, an Amnesty International prisoner of conscience in Cuba:

“Today the Cuban people and all freedom-loving people around the world lost a true patriot and leader of the democratic movement in Cuba. Orlando Zapata Tamayo is the latest victim of Castro’s cruelty and repression.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his mother, his family, friends, and supporters, and all who take part in the struggle for freedom in Cuba each day. Orlando Zapata’s memory and legacy will not be forgotten and one day the Cuban people will witness that freedom for which he so valiantly fought.

“I call on the Obama Administration to stand in solidarity with the Cuban people and stop appeasing the Cuban regime with direct talks and unilateral concessions, while heroes like Orlando Zapata continue to die in Castro’s jails,” said Diaz-Balart.