[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 117 (Friday, July 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE COURAGEOUS CUBAN PEOPLE ON THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
                    JULY 11TH PROTESTS ON THE ISLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                         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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