A guest post from Sen. Marco Rubio paying tribute to the memory of Oswaldo Paya and Harold Cepero:
Remembering Oswaldo and Harold
By Marco Rubio
Two years ago the Castro regime murdered Oswaldo Payá and Harold Cepero. These two men had devoted their lives to bringing freedom and democracy to Cuba, only to be fatally run off the road as they drove on a Cuban highway – a plot orchestrated by the regime which they attempted to cover up.
We have seen too many instances like this of regime aggression and murder that goes unpunished. At every turn, foreign governments and international bodies like the OAS and UN have been stymied in their attempts to investigate this crime.
The U.S. government and the international community must continue pushing for the Cuban regime to allow an impartial, third party investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Oswaldo and Harold.
Since a Spanish citizen was with them and survived the car crash, it is incumbent on the Spanish government to hold the Cuban regime accountable for endangering one of their citizens and for their subsequent attempts to silence him as a witness.
Today we remember Oswaldo and Harold for their courageous efforts and extraordinary lives. We stand in solidarity with their loved ones – particularly Oswaldo’s daughter, Rosa Maria, who last year visited the Senate asking for assistance seeking justice. We need to make sure that not only is justice served but that we not allow Oswaldo’s and Harold’s sacrifices to have been in vain by enabling the regime’s grip in power.
To this end, the U.S. must continue to pursue policies that promote respect for the fundamental principles of religious freedom, democracy, and human rights in Cuba, in a manner consistent with the aspirations of the people of Cuba.