Washington, DC - Today, Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement in response to widespread protests in Cuba.
“I commend these brave protesters and all those demanding respect for democracy anywhere around the world, including here at home, for standing up and making their voices heard. Cubans are facing profound hardship because of the health and economic impacts of COVID-19, the entrenched culture of corruption and mismanagement among Cuba’s leadership, and the strict sanctions callously imposed by the Trump Administration. Cubans are angry and they have every right to express their frustrations and engage in peaceful protest - basic human freedoms that must be respected, not punished. I call on President Biden to help alleviate the suffering in Cuba by rescinding the Trump era sanctions and offering additional humanitarian and vaccine assistance to the Cuban people.".
