The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, celebrated this Tuesday the international recognition of Cuban activist Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White, who was awarded the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Award 2025 for her work in defense of democracy and human rights in Cuba.
In the social network X, Rubio, present at the ceremony held at the Biltmore Hotel in Miami and presided over by Polish Chancellor Radosław Sikorski, emphasized Soler's bravery in the face of the repression of the Cuban regime.
"Communism remains a scourge that has failed everywhere it has been attempted," he stated, emphasizing that the activism of the opposition member represents a symbol of peaceful resistance against communism, as reported by Martí Noticias.
The Cuban-American politician praised Soler's role at the helm of the Damas de Blanco and highlighted the consequences she faces due to her activism, including the systematic repression by State Security.
Although the activist was unable to travel due to the restrictions imposed by the regime, she sent a virtual message in which she expressed her gratitude for the award and reaffirmed her commitment to continue the fight for the release of political prisoners from Cuba.
According to Cubanet, the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Award was established in 2014 at the initiative of Sikorski to honor those who promote democracy and civil rights worldwide. After several years of suspension, the award was reactivated in 2024.
The media added that among the awardees in previous editions are the Crimean Tatar leader Mustafa Dzhemilev, Russian activist Zhanna Nemtsova, and Belarusian opposition figure Pavel Latushka. The award consists of a statuette and a monetary prize of $275,000.
With more than twenty years of existence, the Ladies in White have established themselves as an emblem of peaceful resistance in Cuba. Their image—women dressed in white and carrying gladioli during their Sunday marches—has become a symbol of dignity in the face of repression.
Under the leadership of Berta Soler, the movement has steadfastly maintained its activism despite constant harassment from State Security. International recognition soon followed: in 2005, they were awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by the European Parliament.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Award to Berta Soler and the Situation in Cuba
Who is Berta Soler and why has she been awarded the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Prize 2025?
Berta Soler is a Cuban activist and leader of the Damas de Blanco movement, known for its peaceful resistance demanding the release of political prisoners in Cuba. She was awarded the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Prize 2025 for her courage and dedication to the defense of democracy and human rights in Cuba, despite the restrictions and repression she faces from the Cuban regime.
What is the Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Prize and what is its significance?
The Lech Wałęsa Solidarity Prize is an international recognition established in 2014 to honor brave leaders who promote democracy and civil rights around the world. Chaired by former Polish President Lech Wałęsa, the award emphasizes commitment to human rights and has been presented to prominent defenders of freedom, including figures from Crimea, Russia, and Belarus.
How has the Cuban regime reacted to the recognition of Berta Soler?
The Cuban regime has maintained its stance of repression against opponents such as Berta Soler. Although the regime has not issued an official statement regarding the award, Berta Soler faces constant restrictions and harassment from State Security, reflecting the government's intolerant position towards human rights activism on the island.
What is Marco Rubio's role in supporting democracy and human rights in Cuba?
Marco Rubio, as Secretary of State of the United States, has been a strong advocate for democracy and human rights in Cuba, highlighting the bravery of activists such as Berta Soler. Rubio has expressed his support for initiatives aimed at holding the Cuban regime accountable for its human rights violations and has been a constant critic of communism in Cuba.
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