U.S. Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart vehemently criticized the current policies of engagement with the Cuban government in a recent tweet, promising a shift in the United States' stance. His comments came after a report by ADN Cuba highlighted the death of Inoel Rodríguez Rodríguez, a young inmate in Cienfuegos. According to his family, he died in Ariza prison following a beating allegedly ordered by prison authorities.
"The report from Cuba about this young man who was tortured and murdered simply for saying 'Patria y Vida' is horrifying. Those responsible for his torture must be held accountable, and strong sanctions against the regime that abuses, imprisons, and seeks to silence dissent must be reinstated," declared the Cuban-American congressman on X.
Demand for Stronger U.S. Foreign Policy
Díaz-Balart emphasized the need for a more stringent foreign policy towards the island, condemning President Joe Biden's administration for its approach aimed at appeasing the longstanding totalitarian regime in Cuba.
"The days of appeasement that emboldened our adversaries under the Biden-Harris Administration are numbered. We will soon embark on a new phase that will end this Administration’s policy of concessions," warned the congressman.
The Tragic Case of Inoel Rodríguez
The case of Inoel Rodríguez was brought to light by his mother, Yanet Rodríguez, who detailed the circumstances leading to his death in ADN Cuba. She recounted that her 27-year-old son was beaten by at least seven guards following an altercation in prison. Despite the family's efforts to see him after the beating, they were denied access, and later informed that Rodríguez had died while in custody. The official version claimed he committed suicide, but the family disputes this explanation, citing the severe condition he was last seen in and the history of violence reported at the prison.
International Outcry and Calls for Justice
The incident has sparked outrage among activists and human rights organizations, highlighting a pattern of violence at Ariza prison, where other inmate deaths have been documented recently. ADN Cuba reported that beatings at Ariza are often carried out by a group of guards known among inmates as "The Death Squad," allegedly led by Major Maykel Medina Terry.
Díaz-Balart, a staunch critic of the Biden administration's policy towards Cuba, reiterated that the era of "appeasement" is coming to an end and predicted a new chapter in U.S.-Cuba relations. For the congressman, ending engagement policies is crucial to protecting those who speak out in Cuba and demanding accountability for abusers.
This statement gains significance as Cuban-American Senator Marco Rubio has been mentioned as a potential candidate for Secretary of State in a Republican administration. Rubio has advocated for a policy of pressure and sanctions against the Cuban government, aligning with Díaz-Balart's assertions, which could shape the future U.S.-Cuba relationship regarding human rights and justice.