15 July 2021
The ECR Group's Co-Chairmen, Prof Ryszard Legutko and Raffaele Fitto, have condemned the unacceptable repression of the ongoing protests in Cuba and called on the EU to take action.
In a joint statement, the two conservative MEPs said:
“What has been happening for some days now in Cuba is both serious and worrying. The regime led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel has been violently repressing thousands of Cuban citizens who are expressing their dissent against the Communist regime and its policies, which are leading to a deterioration in economic and social living conditions in the country.
“More than 5,000 people have been arrested, including 120 activists and journalists. Moreover, there have been constant violations of democratic principles and human rights against demonstrators.
“The European Union cannot ignore such actions. It must rethink its relations with Cuba and its government. Continued dialogue with those who repeatedly violate the rule of law is unacceptable.
“Real, decisive action must be taken, also in cooperation with the international community, to put an end to the abuses perpetrated by the Cuban regime. The EU’s next move must provide full support to the opposition in Cuba and trigger the opening of a new chapter in the history of Cuba: a chapter based on full respect for the values of freedom and democracy.”