PRESS RELEASE

 November 13, 2012

With Castro Dictatorship Arresting & Beating Pro-Democracy Activists, Ros-Lehtinen Calls For Their Immediate Release & Chastises Nations That Voted At The UN To Lift The U.S. Embargo Against Castro Tyranny

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding the latest vote at the United Nations concerning the Cuban embargo and condemning the brutal beating and wanton arrests of Cuban pro democracy activists. More than 20 brave freedom fighters were beaten and arrested last week and two prominent activists, Antonio Rodiles and Angel Santiesteban, were still being unjustly detained.

Ros-Lehtinen’s statement:

“The brutal Castro regime continues summarily arresting and beating peaceful pro democracy activists. Just last week over 20 brave freedom fighters were violently beaten and arrested for the simple fact that they were protesting in front of a regime police station asking for the liberation of two other activists. In the tyrannical Castro dictatorship these vile actions against innocents are permitted and encouraged. The two remaining activists from last week’s mass arrests, Antonio Rodiles, the young leader of the ‘For Another Cuba’ campaign, and Angel Santiesteban, should be immediately released.

"It is very unfortunate that the very nations that espouse freedom and liberty would coddle the dictators in Havana by voting at the United Nation to end the U.S. embargo against the tyrannical Castro dynasty. The embargo will only be ended when Cuba respects the rights of every one of its citizens. I call on responsible nations to express their solidarity with these freedom fighters and reject these atrocious human rights violations against peaceful protesters who are advocating for human dignity, freedom, democracy and rule of law.”

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