Senator Marco Rubio has reaffirmed his commitment to the fight for freedom in Cuba by sending a message of support to dissidents, independent journalists, and families of political prisoners gathered at the residence of Mike Hammer, the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Havana. The U.S. Secretary of State addressed the attendees through a video, which also featured a virtual participation from Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau.
"I know it's not easy to live on that enslaved island and confront a regime determined to punish its people. But your resilience inspires us," Rubio stated in the video. According to Martí Noticias, he emphasized that the regime's repression has failed to silence the Cuban people's cries for freedom. "The events of July 11 marked a pivotal change. It inspired all who cherish freedom and dream of a free, sovereign, and independent Cuba," Rubio declared.
Rubio shared his sentiments via X, writing, "It's an honor to address a group of courageous Cuban dissidents and independent journalists to reaffirm our support for a free, sovereign, and independent Cuba. #PatriaYVida #11J," alongside a photo of the meeting.
Voices of Support and Calls for Action
Deputy Secretary Landau praised the courage of those present: "Speaking the truth in a country like Cuba is a revolutionary act. You are writing with dignity not just your personal stories, but the story of your nation," he asserted. Landau also urged the Cuban government to immediately release all political prisoners, highlighting the deteriorating health of José Daniel Ferrer due to repression and a hunger strike initiated two weeks prior.
The gathering, held to mark the fourth anniversary of the July 11, 2021 protests, served as a gesture of encouragement from Mike Hammer to Cuban civil society. The event was conducted under strict security measures to prevent regime interference, a precaution following disruptions during the recent July 4th celebration.
Increased Repression Amid International Support
During the U.S. Independence Day celebration, Hammer conveyed another powerful message from Senator Rubio: "Soon, you will be free," quoting the senator's words intended for every Cuban he encountered. Rubio's direct request was made during a meeting in Washington in May.
Hammer read to the audience, "We want you to know we stand with you. Your cause is always at the forefront. We speak of you wherever we can, and we pray daily for God's blessings upon you and for Cuba to soon be free, sovereign, and independent, with its destiny in the people's hands."
However, the celebration starkly contrasted with simultaneous events on Cuba's streets, where the regime's repressive forces conducted operations to prevent activists and independent journalists from attending the reception. From the morning of July 2, State Security imposed house arrests and arbitrary detentions on several dissidents.
Widespread Crackdown Across the Island
Among those affected were Berta Soler, leader of the Damas de Blanco; rapper Osvaldo Navarro and his partner Marthadela Tamayo; journalist Camila Acosta and her partner, writer Ángel Santiesteban; Dr. Oscar Elías Biscet and Elsa Morejón. In other provinces, acts of repression were also reported: in Villa Clara, the opposition figure Librado Linares was under surveillance; in Cienfuegos, brothers Bárbaro and Juan Alberto de la Nuez were threatened; and in Pinar del Río, activist Eduardo Díaz Fleitas and his mother, Nilda García, were prevented from traveling to Havana.
Additionally, journalist Yunia Figueredo and her husband, writer Frank Correa, were detained for refusing to attend a police interrogation. Days earlier, Marco Rubio reiterated his dedication to the Cuban cause following the signing of a new National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) by Donald Trump, which tightens U.S. policy towards Cuba and reverses the Biden administration's relaxations.
"Thanks to President Trump's leadership, the U.S. is committed to promoting freedom and prosperity in Cuba. Make no mistake: under his leadership, we will hold the Cuban regime accountable and support the Cuban people in their quest for freedom and justice," Rubio stated on X.
The new memorandum bans all financial transactions with entities controlled by the Cuban military, particularly the GAESA conglomerate, except those directly benefiting the Cuban people. It also upholds the elimination of the "Wet-foot, dry-foot" policy and reinforces the ban on tourist travel to the island. Additionally, it mandates constant monitoring of human rights violations, arbitrary detentions, religious repression, harassment of dissidents, and protection of U.S. fugitives. The document's stated goal is to foster a free, prosperous, and democratic Cuba, aligning U.S. government actions with the Cuban people's welfare, not their oppressors'.
Key Questions About U.S. Support for Cuban Freedom
What message did Marco Rubio send to Cuban dissidents?
Marco Rubio sent a message reaffirming his support for Cuban dissidents and the fight for freedom, emphasizing their resilience and the inspiration they provide.
What actions has the U.S. taken against the Cuban regime?
The U.S. has implemented a National Security Presidential Memorandum banning financial transactions with Cuban military entities and reinforcing travel restrictions, while closely monitoring human rights abuses.
How did the Cuban regime respond to the July 4th celebration?
In response to the celebration, the Cuban regime deployed repressive forces to prevent activists and journalists from attending, imposing house arrests and arbitrary detentions.