Rubio, Scott Applaud Unanimous Senate Passage of Resolution in Support of Cuban Human Rights Activists

Press Release

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Mike Braun (R-IN) applauded the unanimous Senate passage of their resolution (S.Res.173) commending José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), and other Cuban democracy activists. The resolution also condemns the brutal torture, unjust imprisonment, and severe oppression that the illegitimate Castro/Díaz-Canel regime subjects innocent Cubans to every day.

A companion resolution was introduced by Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), Carlos Giménez (R-FL), and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"For years, José Daniel Ferrer and the members of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) have been targeted by the Castro and Díaz-Canel regime," Rubio said. "They have been subjected to unimaginable hardships and arbitrary arrests simply because they oppose the dictatorship's tyranny and repression. I applaud the U.S. Senate for passing this resolution, which reaffirms our support and solidarity to one of Cuba's most emblematic freedom fighters."

"The United States Senate sent a strong message to the illegitimate Communist Cuban regime that we stand unified in supporting the brave people of Cuba fighting tirelessly for freedom, and we won't stop until there is a new day of freedom on the island," R. Scott said. "I am proud my Senate colleagues joined me to unanimously pass my resolution supporting the brave Cuban democracy activists and strongly condemning the illegitimate communist Cuban regime's human rights abuses, but we can't stop now. Innocent Cubans are dying simply because they want freedom and democracy for their families--and others, like José Daniel Ferrer, are being mercilessly tortured. I won't stop fighting to support these brave freedom activists and all who demand the end of the brutal communist Cuban regime."

"The continued violations of human rights by the communist government of Cuba is reprehensible," Braun said. "I am proud to join Senator Rick Scott on this resolution recognizing the actions of democracy activist José Daniel Ferrer Garcia and all human rights activists that are standing up to the totalitarian Cuban regime."

"I am proud to co-lead this crucial resolution with my colleague and friend, Senator Rick Scott," Díaz-Balart said. "Six months following the July 11, 2021, peaceful protests, the Cuban dictatorship continues to crack down and punish those who dared to bravely demand freedom. Some of those imprisoned, including those being subjected to sham trials, are children. The regime's cruelty has revealed not only its malevolence toward the Cuban people but has highlighted the unshakeable courage of Cuba's many brave pro-democracy activists who are enduring egregious human rights abuses simply for demanding respect for fundamental rights. They will prevail."

"As a defender of human rights and democracy in Cuba, José Daniel Ferrer stood up to the regime directly for years, suffering torture and imprisonment on multiple occasions," Salazar said. "But Ferrer has never given up on his principles, and together with his organization -- the UNPACU -- he has led the fight for freedom in Cuba. Neither José Daniel nor any Cuban should be imprisoned and tortured for peacefully protesting for their God-given rights. The United States will always stand with the brave men and women who stand up against the regime!"

"The United States must call out the human rights abuses committed by the illegitimate communist regime in Cuba," Giménez said. "This resolution is an important signal to the political dissidents inside the island that the United States stands on their side. We have a moral responsibility to support the causes of freedom and democracy in our hemisphere. I thank the senators for their continued support of the Cuban people."