This past Tuesday, dozens of Cubans gathered in Washington, D.C.’s Lafayette Square to demand the release of political prisoners in Cuba and support President Donald Trump’s legislation.
The “Actions, Not Words” rally, organized by activist Alexander Otaola, brought together South Floridians and attendees from around the world to demand not only the release of the prisoners, but also the reinstatement of Cuba on the U.S.’ “State Sponsors of Terrorism” list.
“We are asking Marco Rubio, Trump and his entire cabinet,” said Otaola. “Cuba is a priority, because if they want to keep the hemisphere completely organized and free of leftist doctrines, then they have to go against Havana, which is the head of the monster that spreads all this barbarism.”
Cuban patriotism was strongly felt throughout the demonstration, with young people and exiles from different generations uniting their voices in the fight. Bárbara Travieso, a Cuban exiled for more than 30 years, shared her excitement at seeing so many young people committed to the cause.
“I feel very excited,” said Travieso. “I have been exiled for 35 years, and to see this amount of people involved, these young people in a renewed exile, is very exciting. People have come from many places, from many states, even outside the United States, to meet here, and it is a dream come true for me.”
Exile leaders such as Rosa María Payá and Mario Félix Leonard addressed those present, expressing their hope that new laws promoted by Trump will generate significant changes for Cuba’s future. Among other notable figures who attended the demonstration were Elieser Avila and “Los Pichy Boys.”
