[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 130 (Thursday, July 27, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RELEASE CUBAN POLITICAL PRISONERS

  (Mr. McGOVERN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, as we mark the second anniversary of the 
July 11, 2021, protest in Cuba, I call on the Cuban Government to 
release all those imprisoned for exercising their rights to protest, to 
freedom of expression, and association.
  Mr. Speaker, 2 years ago, Cubans took to the streets to demand better 
living conditions and more freedoms amid a grim economic crisis. There 
is no excuse for these largely peaceful protests to have been met with 
government repression, arrests, and internet blackouts.
  According to reputable reports, over 1,500 people were arrested in 
connection with these protests, and over 680 remain in prison.
  However, U.S. policies contribute directly to the hardships that 
Cubans endure, but the Cuban Government's repression only exacerbates 
the many challenges facing its people.
  Cuba should release all remaining protesters, and the United States 
of America should end all policies, including taking Cuba off the State 
Sponsors of Terrorism list, that only increase the suffering of the 
Cuban people.

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