Florida Republicans were among the most vocal proponents of the freedom protests that erupted in Cuba over the weekend.
Citizens of the island nation demanded an end to the communist dictatorship, under which they suffer poverty and a lack of freedom.
Numerous videos that were posted online showing the protests had “suddenly disappeared” as government censors appeared to take action to stop the movement from growing. “The people are dying of hunger!” one woman shouted, “Our children are dying of hunger!” Other chants included “We want freedom” and “We want vaccines.”
“Florida supports the people of Cuba as they take to the streets against the tyrannical regime in Havana,” Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis wrote on Twitter. “The Cuban dictatorship has repressed the people of Cuba for decades & is now trying to silence those who have the courage to speak out against its disastrous policies.”
Florida supports the people of Cuba as they take to the streets against the tyrannical regime in Havana. The Cuban dictatorship has repressed the people of Cuba for decades & is now trying to silence those who have the courage to speak out against its disastrous policies#SOSCuba pic.twitter.com/H71EYoKdUZ
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) July 11, 2021
“For over 6 decades, the despotic Castro regime in Cuba has deprived its people of life and economic liberty,” Florida Republican Lt. Governor Jeanette Nunez said. “The images we are seeing from across the island are an outcry as shortages of basic necessities have become commonplace. As a Cuban-American, I stand in solidarity with the freedom-seeking people of Cuba calling for the end of the communist dictatorship. The Castro’s continued repression won’t keep the Cuban people from peacefully demanding their God-given rights. As Cubans risk everything in protest, Florida will continue to support out Cuban brothers and sisters who are fighting for freedom, democracy, and human rights.”
“I am asking @POTUS @SecBlinken to call on members of the Cuban military to not fire on their own people,” Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) wrote on Twitter. “The incompetent communist party of #Cuba cannot feed or protect the people from the virus. Now those in the military must defend the people not the communist party.”
I am asking @POTUS @SecBlinken to call on members of the Cuban military to not fire on their own people
The incompetent communist party of #Cuba cannot feed or protect the people from the virus.
Now those in the military must defend the people not the communist party.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 11, 2021
Miami Republican Mayor Francis Suarez wrote on Twitter: “The Cuban regime’s military police are shooting at unarmed Cuban protestors fighting for freedom. 60 years of communism, cruelty, & oppression cannot last any longer! We are imploring the USA to take action as we peacefully demonstrate on the streets of Miami.”
The Cuban regime’s military police are shooting at unarmed Cuban protestors fighting for freedom. 60 years of communism, cruelty, & oppression cannot last any longer! We are imploring the USA to take action as we peacefully demonstrate on the streets of Miami #PATRIAYVIDA 🇨🇺 pic.twitter.com/oXy24RjwZW
— Mayor Francis Suarez (@FrancisSuarez) July 11, 2021
“The courageous people of Cuba took to the streets determined to regain their freedom and demand the end of the dictatorship,” Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), the state’s former governor, tweeted. “@RaulCastro_Ruz & @DiazCanelB the message is clear: The people of Cuba are not afraid, your time is up!”
“The Biden administration should quickly denounce any detention or violence toward peaceful protestors in Cuba,” he added. “America & every freedom-loving nation must fully support the brave Cuban people in their calls for liberty & human dignity. The world is watching.”
The Biden administration should quickly denounce any detention or violence toward peaceful protestors in Cuba.
America & every freedom-loving nation must fully support the brave Cuban people in their calls for liberty & human dignity. The world is watching. #SOSCuba (2/4)
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) July 11, 2021
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