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Cubans Rally in Washington Urging Trump to Intensify Pressure on Cuban Regime

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 by Grace Ramos

A group of Cuban demonstrators gathered on Tuesday at Lafayette Square, directly across from the White House, to call on President Donald Trump to strengthen his stance and maintain pressure against the Cuban regime. Waving Cuban flags and holding signs with messages like "Freedom for Cuba" and "No More Dictatorship," the protesters, led by influencer Alexander Otaola, aimed to draw international attention to what they describe as a human rights crisis on the island.

The rally's main focus was to urge the president, known for tightening sanctions against the Havana government during his first term (2017-2021), to continue leading efforts to press the regime. "Today, eight days after Donald J. Trump has entered the White House, we are here, aligned with his policies towards the leftists of the world," Otaola addressed the crowd.

Among those present was Edmundo García, a supporter of the Cuban regime, who was removed by police according to images shared by independent journalist Ernesto Morales.

Since announcing the rally, Otaola had promoted it as a "historic gathering." "We demand the immediate release of all political prisoners on the island. Families separated, lives ruined... Enough is enough!" he wrote, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Additionally, the activist called for Cuba to be declared a threat to U.S. national security, arguing that the spread of communism poses a danger to freedoms in the region. "Now is the time to make our voices heard. Freedom is not negotiated, it is defended," he concluded.

This measure was reversed by the U.S. president just hours after taking office, rolling back the decision by the Joe Biden administration to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

According to an official White House communication, the primary aim of the Trump administration is "to restore common sense to the Federal Government and unlock the potential of the American citizen. The reversals within this order will be the first of many steps the U.S. Federal Government will take to repair our institutions and our economy."

Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Protests in Washington

What was the main goal of the Cuban protest in Washington?

The main goal was to urge President Donald Trump to intensify his pressure on the Cuban regime and to draw international attention to the human rights crisis in Cuba.

Who led the protest in Washington?

The protest was led by influencer Alexander Otaola, who is a prominent figure advocating for freedom in Cuba.

What did the protesters demand?

They demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners in Cuba and for the U.S. to declare Cuba a national security threat.

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