Representatives Diaz-Balart, Rooney, Mucarsel-Powell Condemn Cuba’s Actions During COVID-19 Pandemic

WASHINGTON, D.C. ­­–– Today, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Congressman Francis Rooney (R-FL), and Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL) released the following statement condemning the Cuban regime's exploitation of the coronavirus pandemic for political gain, its continued trafficking of Cuban medical professionals, and spreading disinformation abroad.

"The Cuban regime has shamelessly exploited this COVID-19 pandemic to engage in a misleading medical diplomacy campaign by trafficking doctors from whom they pocket as much as 80 percent of their salaries, confiscate their passports, and impose strict monitoring. The regime is also spreading dangerous disinformation about the virus worldwide with the aim of dividing the international community. These are just the latest examples of the regime's use of propaganda to build a positive image abroad and distract from its systemic human rights violations against the Cuban people. Like their authoritarian partners around the world, the Cuban regime cannot be counted on as a reliable partner in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

The international community must reject the Cuban regime's disinformation campaign and its trafficking of medical professionals. Healthcare workers combating COVID-19 around the world are heroes who risk their lives daily. We must stand united in condemning the Cuban regime's efforts to exploit these heroes for political and financial gain during this unprecedented global health crisis."

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