Congresswoman urges Biden and Trump to free Cuban political prisoners

The U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs convened on December 12, 2024, to address the ongoing human rights violations under the Communist Cuban regime. The meeting highlighted personal testimonies and calls for action regarding political prisoners in Cuba.

One poignant account shared during the meeting was from a witness whose family suffered under the regime. The witness recounted the harrowing experience of Bobby's father, who was imprisoned as a political prisoner after the revolution. He described the trauma of witnessing the murder of neighborhood children and the long-lasting impact of his father's imprisonment on the family. Bobby's mother, devastated by her husband's death in prison, remarried, only to face heartbreak years later when Bobby's father was released and sought to reunite with them. This story underscored the deep emotional scars inflicted by the regime's oppressive actions.

The committee members expressed solidarity with Cuban families enduring similar suffering. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz was specifically mentioned for her efforts to advocate for the release of Cuban political prisoners, including Mikhail Castillo Perez and Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara, who have been unjustly imprisoned since the crackdown on the pro-democracy movement on July 11, 2021.

The discussions concluded with a strong call to action directed at President Biden and President-elect Trump, urging them to prioritize the freedom of these political prisoners and to address the broader issue of human rights violations perpetrated by Cuba's secret police. The meeting emphasized the need for continued international attention and support for those oppressed by the Cuban regime.