Sen. Menendez Of NJ Says Protests In Cuba Are 'Inspiring' (VIDEO)

Newark NJ

12 July, 2021

4:10 PM

Description

NEWARK, NJ — U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez grew up as the son of Cuban immigrants in a tenement building in North Jersey. And when he learned about the historic wave of protests taking place in the nation last weekend, there was one word that came to mind, he said: "inspiring." On Monday, Menendez issued a video statement, a day after thousands of Cubans took to the streets to protest a lack of food and medicine as the country struggles through a grave economic crisis made worse by a resurgence in coronavirus cases. (Watch it below) Several protesters were arrested by police on Sunday, who broke up some demonstrations with tear gas, CNN reported. Many chanted for "freedom" and an end to communism, and called for President Miguel Díaz-Canel to step down, who in turn, accused the U.S. government of making the situation worse with its ongoing trade sanctions. President Joe Biden has expressed public support for the protesters, and has asked the Cuban government to allow for peaceful rallies, Fox News reported. Menendez, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the highest-ranking Latino and Cuban-American in Congress, said it's important that the U.S. stands "in support of the Cuban people" if the protests continue. "In the largest pro-democracy protests in the island's recent history, the Cuban people are risking their lives to draw international attention to the regime's abysmal response to COVID-19, the growing poverty levels, and the crippling economic conditions affecting the island," Menendez said. "The incredible power of the Cuban people coming forth saying 'enough is enough' is inspiring," he added. Como he dicho a lo largo de los años, nadie anhela que la realidad en Cuba fuera otra más que el mismo pueblo cubano y los cubanoamericanos que han huido de la isla. Escuchemos sus desesperadas plegarias y apoyemos sus demandas al no perpetuar las décadas de represión del regimen https://t.co/reijludaBI— Senate Foreign Relations Committee (@SFRCdems) July 12, 2021 "This is a moment that may change the course of history," the senator said. "We support the people of Cuba in their quest for freedom. Our message to the Cuban regime is to refrain from using violent force against peaceful protesters." "I look forward to the Biden Administration's engagement in helping the Cuban people and supporting their call for change," Menendez said. See related article: Sen. Menendez Of NJ Leads Charge For Biden Immigration ReformsAnother federal lawmaker from New Jersey, U.S. Rep. Albio Sires, who was born in Bejucal, Cuba and came to the U.S. when he was 11-years-old, also praised the protests and called them "inspiring." "Consistently advocating for human rights means doing so regardless of ideology or political preference," Sires said. "A dictatorship is a dictatorship and it is plain to see that this one is crumbling under mounting pressure, as Cubans' calls for freedom grow stronger and stronger." See related article: Rep. Albio Sires Voices Support For Protesters In Cuba Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected] Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don't forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.