Secretary Gutierrez Statement on Human Rights Day

WASHINGTON – U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement on Human Rights Day:

“On Human Rights Day, it is important to remember the plight of the Cuban people, who live under a totalitarian dictatorship that has denied them human rights for almost half a century. The Castro regime prevents its citizens from having an elected and democratic government, freedom of speech and fundamental human rights.

“The Cuban government jails hundreds of political prisoners who continue to suffer under dismal conditions and are denied access to human rights organizations such as the International Red Cross. On this very day, Cuban authorities have detained and beaten dozens of Cuban citizens who were attempting to peacefully celebrate human rights day in Cuba. For example, according to reports from the island, Belinda Salas Tápanes, Marlenis Bermudez, Lazaro Joaquin Alonso Román, and Roberto Marrero, activists from the Latin American Federation of Rural Women (FLAMUR) organization and the Pedro Luis Boitel Political Prisoners Association, were brutalized and detained by eight police officers led by an official from State Security.

“The Cuban people deserve to live with freedom and dignity. As President Bush stated, ‘So long as there are people who fight for liberty, the United States will stand with them and speak out for those who have no other voice.’”

Secretary Gutierrez co-chairs the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a U.S. Cabinet-level commission formed to explore ways the United States can help hasten and ease a democratic transition in Cuba.

Posted by Ziva at December 10, 2008 03:48 PM