U.S. Senate condemns Castro arrests

April 8, 2003

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A measure strongly condemning Fidel Castro's renewed repression of democracy activists passed the U.S. Senate by voice vote late last night. The measure calls on the U.S. administration to do what it can to help free the dissidents.

Sen. Bill Nelson, the author of the resolution, filed the legislation late last month after almost eighty Cuban dissidents were jailed there in an island-wide government crackdown. Just yesterday, many of the arrested received prison sentences of up to 27 years.

"Fidel Castro has been rounding up democracy activists, independent journalists and even librarians - and throwing them in jail," Nelson said in a speech on the Senate floor today. "The dictator is using the world's focus on Iraq to further oppress Cubans who want freedom for their island nation."

In addition to urging Bush administration action, the resolution condemns the arrests and calls on the Cuban government to immediately release the activists.

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