The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE COURAGEOUS CUBAN PEOPLE ON THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE
JULY 11TH PROTESTS ON THE ISLAND
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HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART
of florida
in the house of representatives
Friday, July 15, 2022
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I rise today in praise of the brave Cuban people who, one year ago, risked everything to demand freedom in every city and every province in Cuba. They did this knowing the consequences, and knowing that they were risking their lives, livelihoods, and would likely end up in prison. Much of the world remains in awe of their dedication and courage.
According to human rights groups such as CubaLex and Freedom House, more than 1,400 Cubans were detained, including approximately 45 children, in the wake of these protests. At least 700 remain in prison since the July 11 protests began. To date, more than 550 protesters have been sentenced to more than 4,000 combined years in prison. Some have been sentenced to forced labor. Many, including children, were handed multi-year prison sentences for 6 to 30 years, and remain in prison to this day. Some of those in prison today include:
Jose Daniel Ferrer of UNPACU; Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara and Maykel
``Osorbo'' Castillo of the San Isidro Movement; Jose Diaz Silva of the Opposition Movement for a New Republic; Arianna Lopez Roque of the Julio Machado Academy; 17-year-old Emiyosian Roman Rodriguez who shouted ``Patria Y Vida,'' and was sent to a forced labor camp for five years; Duannis Dabel Leon Taboada, a 22-year-old barber who was sentenced to 14 years; Young women such as Lisandra Gongora Espinosa, and the Garrido sisters; Loreto Hernandez and Donaida Perez; along with hundreds of others.
I have been appalled by the Biden Administration's lack of response to this historic upswell of support for democratic change inside totalitarian Cuba. Instead of unequivocal solidarity with the protesters, the Biden Administration instead has barreled ahead with failed policies to increase revenue to the regime. It has lifted restrictions on remittances, increased travel, and permitted support for ``independent'' and ``semi-independent'' businesses, which do not exist in closed Communist economies. For this reason, we know that weakened sanctions will only increase revenue to the Cuban military, which runs much of the Cuban economy including the tourism industry, and enrich the Cuban people's oppressors.
Shamefully, the Biden Administration has requested, and is in the process of implementing, draconian cuts to the Office of Cuba Broadcasting at a time when the Cuban people need access to outside, independent information more than ever. And the administration has yet to attempt to provide internet access, and expand democracy programs, to assist the Cuban people achieve freedom.
Nonetheless, the United States will continue to stand with the Cuban people, and find ways to cut off revenue to their oppressors. We must ensure that the broadcasts continue, and that critical support to political prisoners, their families, and the democratic opposition continues. Despite the Biden Administration's best efforts to appease and embolden the murderous regime in Cuba, the Cuban people will be free.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 117(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 117(2)
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