U.S. Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart has vehemently condemned the death of Cuban political prisoner Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas, who reportedly died after being brutally beaten by prison guards. "Murderers! The dictatorship in Cuba is solely responsible for the death of Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas for the 'crime' of peacefully protesting during the July 11th demonstrations. The regime's days are numbered," Díaz-Balart declared on social media.
The Cuban-American congressman reiterated his stance, holding the Cuban regime accountable for its oppressive measures and predicting its imminent downfall as time progresses and the potential return of Donald Trump approaches. "The one-sided concessions under the Biden-Harris Administration will end soon. Genuine accountability will come with Donald Trump's leadership," Díaz-Balart warned the Havana government.
In his message, the Florida Republican shared a tweet from Cuban opposition leader Rosa María Payá, coordinator of the Cuba Decide platform, who also denounced and mourned Guillén Esplugas's violent death. She held President Miguel Díaz-Canel and the Minister of the Interior, General Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, responsible for the prisoner's demise.
Criticism of U.S. Policy Towards Cuba
In mid-November, Díaz-Balart strongly criticized policies aimed at rapprochement with the Cuban government and promised a shift in U.S. policy with the new Trump administration. At that time, he reacted to a report by ADN Cuba regarding the death of Inoel Rodríguez Rodríguez, a young inmate in Cienfuegos. According to his family's accusations, Rodríguez died in Ariza prison after being allegedly beaten on orders from prison authorities.
"The report from Cuba about this young man tortured and murdered simply for saying 'Patria y Vida' is horrifying. Those who tortured him must be held accountable, and strong sanctions must be reinstated against the regime that abuses, imprisons, and seeks to destroy those who dare to speak out against it," the Cuban-American congressman stated on X (formerly Twitter).
A Call for Tougher Foreign Policy
Emphasizing the need for a more stringent foreign policy towards the island, Díaz-Balart reproached President Joe Biden for policies aimed at appeasing the totalitarian regime that has ruled Cuba for over 60 years. "The days of appeasement that emboldened our adversaries under the Biden-Harris Administration are numbered. Soon, we will begin a new phase that will end this Administration's policy of concessions," warned the congressman.
Days later, the Cuban-American politician hinted at strategies he believes Trump will implement towards the regimes in Cuba and Venezuela, asserting their leaders should be "nervous." "There will be a dramatic change," Díaz-Balart assured. "This regime will not be allowed to use all means at its disposal to harm the United States and oppress its own people," he added, making it clear that Trump's administration would implement stricter policies towards the Cuban regime.
The Death of Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas
This past Sunday, activists and opposition groups reported the murder of Guillén Esplugas, who was serving a sentence at the Combinado del Este prison in Havana. He was accused of participating in and filming the historic and massive protests of July 11, 2021 (11J).
At 27 years old and a resident of Old Havana, Guillén Esplugas was violently arrested at his home on July 17 of that year by State Security agents after he shared videos on social media documenting his involvement in the spontaneous demonstrations. His case was among the 554 political prisoners detained by the regime for protesting on July 11.
By 2023, Guillén Esplugas had spent over a year and a half in prison without a set trial date or any communication regarding the prosecution's demands. His mother, Dania María Esplugas, filed a second Habeas Corpus with the Provincial Court of Havana demanding his immediate release, after the first request was denied.
Guillén Esplugas's case has been highlighted by opposition figures as an example of human rights violations committed by the Cuban regime in cases related to the social unrest of July 11. His death adds to the 56 prisoner deaths reported in the past two years.
Key Questions about Cuban Political Prisoners
What was Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas accused of?
Manuel de Jesús Guillén Esplugas was accused of participating in and documenting the July 11, 2021, protests in Cuba through social media.
How has the U.S. responded to political repression in Cuba?
U.S. politicians like Mario Díaz-Balart have criticized the Cuban regime's repressive actions and emphasized the need for a stronger foreign policy, highlighting the shortcomings of the current administration's approach.
What is the significance of the July 11, 2021 protests in Cuba?
The July 11, 2021 protests were significant as they were among the largest anti-government demonstrations in Cuba for decades, expressing widespread dissatisfaction with the regime.