[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 208 (Wednesday, December 9, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H7061]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING CUBA'S PRO-DEMOCRACY ACTIVISTS

  (Mr. DIAZ-BALART asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring attention to the brave 
action of the pro-democracy leaders in Cuba and the brutal repression 
that they face as a result of their demands for freedom.
  For example, in the last few weeks, the San Isidro Movement has 
stepped up its calls for freedom and the release of all political 
prisoners. Their protests include such dangerous activities as poetry 
readings and sit-ins. And for that, these young rappers, artists, and 
writers have faced arbitrary arrests, harassment, and abuse.
  Mr. Speaker, some remain in prison, which is why many activists have 
begun a hunger strike in protest. But despite the brutal repression in 
Cuba, the pro-democracy movement is growing. Mothers, scientists, and 
so many others have joined its calls for freedom and the release of 
political prisoners.
  I commend President Trump and his administration for their solidarity 
with the Cuban people in imposing serious sanctions against the Cuban 
dictatorship. We must all stand with the brave pro-democracy activists 
in Cuba, who are risking their lives at this very moment, and join them 
in their pleas for freedom and the immediate unconditional release of 
all political prisoners.

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