Marco Rubio reaffirmed his support for the fight for freedom in Cuba with a message of support sent to dissidents, independent journalists, and relatives of political prisoners who gathered at the residence of the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Havana, Mike Hammer.
The U.S. Secretary of State addressed the attendees at the meeting through a projected video, in which the Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, also participated virtually.
"I know it is not easy to live on that enslaved Island and to face a regime that does everything possible to punish you. But you do not give up, and that inspires us," he said in the recording.
According to Martí Noticias, Rubio emphasized that the regime's repression has not succeeded in silencing the cries for freedom from the people. "July 11 marked a turning point. It was an inspiration for all of us who love freedom and dream of a free, sovereign, and independent Cuba."
"It is an honor to address a group of brave Cuban dissidents and independent journalists to reaffirm our support for a free, sovereign, and independent Cuba. #PatriaYVida #11J," Rubio wrote on his account on X, alongside a photo of the meeting.
For his part, Undersecretary Landau praised the bravery of those present: "Telling the truth in a country like Cuba is a revolutionary act. You are not only writing your personal stories with dignity, but also the history of your country," he stated.
Additionally, he urged the Cuban government to immediately release all political prisoners, mentioning José Daniel Ferrer, whose health has deteriorated in prison following the repression he has suffered and a hunger strike he began two weeks ago.
The meeting, convened in commemoration of the fourth anniversary of the protests of July 11, 2021, was a gesture of encouragement from Mike Hammer to Cuban civil society.
The event was held under strict security measures to prevent the regime from detaining attendees, as happened days earlier during the July 4th celebration.
Last week, during the celebration of the United States Independence Day, Hammer delivered another powerful message on behalf of Senator Rubio: "You will soon be free", he stated, quoting the words that the Cuban-American senator asked him to convey to every Cuban he met.
Hammer reported that this request was made to him directly by Rubio during a meeting in Washington in May.
"I want you to know that we support you. That we always prioritize your cause above all else. That we talk about you everywhere we have the opportunity. And that we pray every day for God to bless all of you and for Cuba to soon be free, sovereign, independent, and for the fate of Cuba to be in the hands of the people," the diplomat read before the audience gathered at the embassy.
However, the celebration was marked by a stark contrast to what was happening simultaneously in the streets of Cuba. The regime's repressive forces deployed operations to prevent the attendance of activists and independent journalists at the reception.
Since the morning of July 2nd, State Security has imposed house arrests and arbitrary detentions on several dissidents.
Among those affected were Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White; the rapper Osvaldo Navarro and his partner Marthadela Tamayo; journalist Camila Acosta and her partner, writer Ángel Santiesteban; Dr. Oscar Elías Biscet and Elsa Morejón.
In other provinces, acts of repression were also reported: in Villa Clara, the opposition member Librado Linares was under surveillance; in Cienfuegos, brothers Bárbaro and Juan Alberto de la Nuez were threatened; and in Pinar del Río, activist Eduardo Díaz Fleitas and his mother, Nilda García, were prevented from traveling to Havana.
Additionally, journalist Yunia Figueredo and her husband, writer Frank Correa, were arrested for refusing to appear for a police interrogation.
Days earlier, Marco Rubio had reiterated his commitment to the Cuban cause following the signing by Donald Trump of a new Presidential Memorandum on National Security (NSPM), which toughens his administration's policy toward Cuba and reverses the relaxations implemented by Joe Biden's administration.
"Thanks to the leadership of President Trump, the United States is committed to promoting freedom and prosperity in Cuba. Let there be no doubt: under his leadership, we will hold the Cuban regime accountable and support the Cuban people in their quest for freedom and justice," Rubio said on X.
The new memorandum prohibits all financial transactions with entities controlled by the Cuban armed forces, particularly with the GAESA conglomerate, except those that directly benefit the people.
In addition, it maintains the elimination of the "wet foot, dry foot" policy and reinforces the ban on tourist travel to the island.
It also mandates constant monitoring of human rights violations, arbitrary detentions, religious repression, harassment of opponents, and protection of American fugitives.
The stated goal of the document is to promote a free, prosperous, and democratic Cuba, aligning all actions of the U.S. government with the well-being of the Cuban people, not with those who oppress them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Repression and Support for Dissent in Cuba
What was Marco Rubio's message to the Cuban dissidents?
Marco Rubio reaffirmed his support for the fight for freedom in Cuba, emphasizing his commitment to a free, sovereign, and independent Cuba. In his message, delivered at a meeting at the United States Embassy in Havana, Rubio expressed his backing for Cuban dissidents and independent journalists.
How did the Cuban regime react to the meeting at the U.S. Embassy?
The Cuban regime deployed repressive operations to prevent the attendance of activists and independent journalists at the reception at the embassy. Reports of house arrests and arbitrary detentions of several dissenters were made, as part of an effort to block any interaction with U.S. diplomats.
What actions has Mike Hammer taken to support the Cuban opposition?
Mike Hammer has maintained an active schedule of meetings with opponents, journalists, and families of political prisoners in Cuba. He has denounced the repression on the island and reaffirmed the support of the United States for the Cuban people, despite the regime's pressures.
What measures has the United States implemented regarding Cuba under the administration of Donald Trump?
The administration of Donald Trump toughened its policy towards Cuba with a new Presidential Memorandum on National Security (NSPM). This document prohibits financial transactions with entities controlled by the Cuban armed forces, reinforces the ban on tourism travel, and maintains the elimination of the "Wet Foot, Dry Foot" policy.
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