Earlier this week, President Joe Biden (D) successfully secured the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner. However, Republican lawmakers say that the trade for notorious arms trafficker Viktor Bout was at at great cost. Republicans heavily criticize this move, but Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) is able to make an opportunity out of it.
In the wake of this release, Sen. Scott has successfully pressured Biden to demand the release of Cuban prisoners held for participating in the July 11th, 2021 protests against the regime.
"I've spent more than a year calling on @POTUS to join me in standing with the Cuban people & denouncing the illegitimate, communist regime in Cuba," Scott tweets, adding that "I'm proud to see that finally happen today."
I've spent more than a year calling on @POTUS to join me in standing with the Cuban people & denouncing the illegitimate, communist regime in Cuba. I'm proud to see that finally happen today.https://t.co/QJeh0UFtrn
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) December 9, 2022
The White House briefing states that "In the face of oppression, these protestors bravely exercised their fundamental freedoms, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The United States stands with the Cuban people as they stand up for their human rights and a say in the future of Cuba. We will continue to advocate for the release of all who were imprisoned in this brutal crackdown, and continue holding accountable Cuban officials responsible for violence against peaceful protests."
While Scott expresses approval of Biden's message, he notes that "this is not the end of our fight. I expect Biden to continue to be a voice for freedom and democracy in Latin America, & end his appeasement of the regimes in Cuba & Venezuela. The Cuban people want a new day of freedom, & we'll fight alongside them until that day is here."
But, this is not the end of our fight. I expect Biden to continue to be a voice for freedom and democracy in Latin America, & end his appeasement of the regimes in Cuba & Venezuela. The Cuban people want a new day of freedom, & we'll fight alongside them until that day is here.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) December 9, 2022
Back in August, Scott and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) co-authored a resolution commemorating the Cuban protestors and condemning the regime. The resolution describes how many protestors imprisoned by Diaz-Canel suffer horrific conditions and torture, many of them young people. Moreover, the resolution demands ceasing of sanction relief and concessions to the island dictatorship.
