Beating of Cuban Pro-Democracy Activists and U.S. Citizens in Panama Demonstrates Castro Regime's Commitment to its Repressive Ways, Says Ros-Lehtinen

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, made the following statement regarding reports that persons affiliated with the Castro regime beat several Cuban pro-democracy activists and U.S. citizens during a peaceful protest in Panama. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

"Today's attack by Cuban regime thugs on peaceful pro-democracy protestors and U.S. citizens in Panama is just another reminder of the brutality of the Castro brothers and their enablers. Even in the shadow of the Summit of the Americas, these serial oppressors cannot resist their impulse to beat innocent men and women for practicing their right to freedom of speech.

"I urge the Panamanian authorities to provide necessary security and protection for those civil society members attending the Summit of the Americas and investigate this matter immediately to hold accountable those Castro thugs that perpetrated and carried out this violent attack against Cuban nationals and U.S. citizens. As President Obama arrives in Panama this week, he must not look the other way as Americans are feeling the violent wrath of Castro and Havana's disregard for human rights. This violent act today should be another wake up call to the Obama administration that its misguided policies are only emboldening the Castro regime to continue its oppressive tactics unabated."

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