Courageous Activist Needs U.S. Support

Statement

Courageous Activist Needs U.S. Support

U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) today issued the following statement after his phone conversation with Cuban Democratic Activist Jorge Luis Garcia, better known as Antunez. Today marks Antunez's 45th day on a hunger strike asking for justice for and an end to the torture of political prisoners as well as for the right of Cubans to publish human rights commitments made to the United Nations by the regime.

"Antunez's actions and call for human rights for the Cuban people is extremely courageous," Martinez said. "He represents the peaceful movement urging democratic change on the island. This is the moment we all need to stand in solidarity with pro-democracy activists to bring about change in Cuba. I will continue to bring attention to his activities and those of all oppressed Cubans in order for the world to know of their struggle. It is my hope with this knowledge others will urge the Cuban regime to allow democratic elections and free the Cuban people."

Senator Martinez also sent a letter to President Obama presenting a letter from 17 pro-democracy Cuban activists, including Antunez, asking him not to change U.S.-Cuba policy.

"These individuals represent peaceful local movements across the island. They represent Cuba's future more than the aged military elite now ruling the country alongside Raul Castro," Martinez wrote. "They are asking for the support of the United States, including a policy that does ‘not sacrifice the moral leadership of the United States in the face of commercial temptations.'"

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