When defenders of freedom come together, victory is assured

It was a source of deep pride for Cubans that the ceremony for the 2026 Democracy Awards from the National Endowment for Democracy concluded with the rhythm of "Patria y Vida". After honoring three compatriots for their struggle against tyranny, Yotuel Romero, founder and member of Orishas, and Eliécer Márquez Duany, El Funky, performed "Patria y Vida," which has become a universal anthem against Cuban totalitarianism since July 11, 2021.

It was touching to see people from different geographies, cultures, and professions dancing, singing, applauding, and making that song their own. For a few minutes, men and women with different stories, customs, and languages came together in a shared demand: homeland, life, and freedom. The scene affirmed the immense power of culture to cross borders and transform the suffering of a people into a cause shared by many.

The ceremony took place at Mount Vernon, the residence of George Washington, the first president of the United States. It would be hard to choose a more symbolic location. Washington led the war for independence, presided over the birth of the republic, and after two terms, voluntarily relinquished power. His retirement established a memorable lesson in selflessness, integrity, and respect for institutions. He is credited with a phrase particularly fitting for this occasion: “Liberty, once it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.”

But that plant needs citizens willing to care for it. It needs institutions that will defend it and supportive democracies that will not abandon those who fight under repressive regimes. This is where the extraordinary importance of the National Endowment for Democracy lies. Established in 1983, with the significant support of then-President Ronald Reagan, the NED assists civil society organizations, independent journalists, trade unionists, human rights defenders, and democratic movements in more than 90 countries. Its work demonstrates that supporting freedom is not an illegitimate interference; it is solidarity with human beings to whom their governments deny universal rights.

The 2026 awardees embody different facets of that struggle. Friede Allen (Peace Unto All) was recognized for supporting Russian religious leaders opposed to the war against Ukraine and for preserving a moral testimony in the face of the Kremlin's attempt to turn religion into a tool of the State.

The Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression was also recognized for documenting abuses, defending civic space, and demanding accountability after decades of dictatorship. The Ethiopian newspaper Addis Standard received the award for its independent journalism amidst restrictions, repression, and attacks. Community organizers of the Spring Revolution in Myanmar were honored for maintaining citizen participation and the resilience of their communities in the face of military dictatorship.

From Cuba, Félix Navarro Rodríguez, Maykel Castillo Pérez —Maykel Osorbo—, and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara were awarded. Félix Navarro and Maykel remain imprisoned by the dictatorship; Luis Manuel has just been released from prison and is in exile. The three represent civic resistance, rebellious art, and the will to reclaim the public space confiscated by the regime. This recognition holds immense value for all Cuban political prisoners: it reminds them that they are not alone, that their names transcend the walls of prisons, and that the democratic world acknowledges their sacrifice.

The NED also recognized Belarusian advocate Ales Bialiatski, Nobel Peace Prize winner. He was awarded the Medal for Service to Democracy for decades of defending political prisoners despite persecution and imprisonment.

This year, the NED also recognized Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart and Senator Chris Coons for their support of international freedom and democracy programs.

It was deeply moving to hear Russian priests, activists from Myanmar and Belarus, and Bialiatski himself mention Cuba, our political prisoners, and Oswaldo Payá. It was also symbolic that the awards intended for Cubans were presented by Melquiades "Mel" Martínez, who arrived in the United States through Operation Pedro Pan, and served as secretary of Housing and Urban Development in President George W. Bush's cabinet, later becoming a senator from Florida.

Like words from the soul, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara expressed gratitude on his behalf and on behalf of Maykel "Osorbo" for the important recognition received, calling on everyone present to keep in their minds and hearts those who suffer the most in the struggle for freedom: the political prisoners.

In my speech, I thanked the NED, the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the American people for all they have done and continue to do for the freedom of nations subjected to tyranny. The solidarity of the United States remains essential: when the world's most influential democracy abandons those who resist, dictators advance; when it firmly supports them, the oppressed regain hope.

Events like this allow fighters from Russia, Belarus, Syria, Ethiopia, Myanmar, and Cuba to meet, share experiences, and realize that they face different facets of the same enemy. Dictatorships maintain close relationships, coordinate positions in international organizations, share repressive techniques, and provide political, economic, and propaganda support to one another. Their victims must also come together, support each other, and act in solidarity.

Václav Havel summarized the spirit of all democratic resistance with an enduring saying: "Truth and love must prevail over lies and hatred." To make this a reality, defenders of freedom must unite and focus our energies on liberating our people and supporting all oppressed nations.

Because democracy may be imperfect and require constant corrections, it remains, as Winston Churchill reminded us, "the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried so far."