U.S. Envoy Honors Oswaldo Payá in Cuba

On the 13th anniversary of the tragic deaths of Cuban opposition figures Oswaldo Payá and Harold Cepero, the United States' representative in Cuba, Mike Hammer, paid tribute to these activists at Havana's Colón Cemetery. "Today, July 22nd, we commemorate Oswaldo Payá and Harold Cepero, who sacrificed their lives for a better Cuba and the defense of human rights," stated the U.S. Embassy on its official X account.

The message was accompanied by a video showing Hammer standing solemnly by the monument where Payá's remains are interred, laying flowers and making a gesture symbolizing freedom. In the video, Hammer stated, "We are here at the Colón Cemetery, at Oswaldo Payá's grave, to honor his work and that of Harold Cepero in striving for a better Cuba and the perpetual defense of human rights."

Additionally, the U.S. State Department joined the commemoration via a post on X, declaring, "The Cuban regime murdered pro-democracy leaders Oswaldo Payá and Harold Cepero. Their bravery continues to inspire those fighting for democracy and freedom in Cuba." The department emphasized that "Payá's legacy lives on through his daughter, Rosa María Payá, who will serve on the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights."

Rosa María Payá, an activist and leader of the Cuba Decide movement, marked the date with a poignant message, denouncing the state crime of July 22, 2012, when Payá and Cepero lost their lives after their vehicle was struck by another car—an event witnesses and international organizations have deemed a political attack. "The dictators destroyed their bodies, but that was the limit of their power. They tried to silence him, but they failed. Payá lives in every young protester, in every political prisoner who resists. The night won't last forever. In fact, dawn is breaking," she wrote.

In a commemorative video, Rosa María highlighted that the Cuban regime attempted to erase her father's cause but failed to silence his message or halt the growth of democratic hope. "They tried to silence him, but they couldn't," she reiterated.

As part of the anniversary actions, the activist also expressed gratitude to U.S. lawmakers advocating for a bill to rename the street in front of the Cuban Embassy in Washington D.C. as "Oswaldo Payá Way." The initiative, led by Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, has the backing of María Elvira Salazar, Carlos Giménez, Frederica Wilson, Darren Soto, and Nicole Malliotakis. "Naming the street in front of the Cuban embassy after Oswaldo Payá is an act of justice and hope," Rosa María affirmed.

Oswaldo Payá, founder of the Christian Liberation Movement, was the architect behind the Varela Project, a citizen initiative that collected over 25,000 signatures to demand a democratic referendum in Cuba. His efforts were acknowledged in 2002 when he was awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by the European Parliament. Harold Cepero, a young economist and member of the same movement, was regarded as a promising figure in civic activism. Thirteen years after their deaths, both are remembered as symbols of the peaceful struggle for human rights in Cuba, with their legacies continuing to inspire new generations both within and outside the island.