Díaz-Balart Stands in Solidarity with the Cuban People on Fourth Anniversary of Historic Pro-Democracy July 11 Protests and Condemns Ongoing Repression
MIAMI, FL - Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations, issued the following statement in solidarity with the Cuban people on the fourth anniversary of the July 11, 2021, pro-democracy protests in Cuba:
“Today marks four years since the historic July 11th protests, when courageous Cubans from every city and province hit the streets to demand freedom. In the past four years, the Cuban people have continued to raise their voices in the face of escalating repression, with more than a thousand documented political prisoners –including children– unjustly imprisoned in inhumane conditions.
“The Grammy-winning song ‘Patria y Vida’ became a mantra for these brave protests for freedom. Yet many of the musicians who created that song, like Maykel Castillo “El Osorbo” and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, remain behind bars.
“Unfortunately, the regime’s lies, violence, and abuse continue against courageous pro-democracy activists like José Daniel Ferrer, Félix Navarro, Sayli Navarro, and thousands more.
“I stand in unwavering solidarity with the Cuban people and urge the international community to do the same in condemning this murderous regime.
“The Cuban people will be free, and it will be due to the courage of those heroes who, despite the immense personal sacrifices, dare to denounce the regime’s repression and human rights abuses.”
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