US Congress Calls for Enhanced Protection of Religious Freedom In Cuba
Subcommittee Members Pen Letter to Secretary Blinken
Expressing Concerns About Arbitrary Arrests, Harassment of Religious Leaders
In a strongly worded letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, a bipartisan group of US Congress members have expressed deep concern over the Cuban government's ongoing suppression of religious freedom. The letter, led by Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman MarÃa Elvira Salazar (R-FL), highlights the arbitrary arrests, harassment, and intimidation faced by religious leaders and believers in Cuba.
The letter, signed by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Representatives Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13) and Maria Salazar (R-FL-27), urges the Biden administration to take immediate action to address the Cuban government's violations of religious freedom. The members of Congress cite specific cases of arbitrary detention, including the arrest of Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo in March 2022.
The letter also raises concerns about the Cuban government's use of surveillance, travel restrictions, and denial of legal registration to target religious groups and their leaders. These actions, the members of Congress argue, violate the fundamental human right of freedom of religion or belief, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Congress members call on the Biden administration to use all available diplomatic tools to pressure the Cuban government to end its persecution of religious groups and individuals. They also urge the administration to consider targeted sanctions against Cuban officials responsible for the suppression of religious freedom.
The letter is a significant step in raising awareness about the plight of religious believers in Cuba. It sends a clear message to the Cuban government that the US Congress will not tolerate the violation of religious freedom and will continue to advocate for the rights of all Cubans.
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