Legislators Mario Díaz-Balart and Debbie Wasserman Schultz have reintroduced a bipartisan bill to rename the street in front of the Cuban regime’s embassy in Washington, D.C., as “Oswaldo Payá Way.” This initiative honors Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas, a Cuban pro-democracy activist and leader of the Christian Liberation Movement, who was killed.
Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas died on July 22, 2012, following a car accident orchestrated by the Castro regime. The incident also claimed the life of young activist Harold Cepero. Spanish activist Ángel Carromero survived and has detailed his tragic experience.
Last month, Rosa María Payá, his daughter, was elected as a commissioner of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH). She has dedicated her life to promoting freedom for Cubans and others suffering under authoritarian regimes in the hemisphere while keeping alive the memory of those who sacrificed for freedom, including her father.
The bill is co-sponsored in the House by Representatives María Elvira Salazar, Frederica Wilson, Carlos A. Gimenez, Darren Soto, and Nicole Malliotakis.
In the Senate, U.S. Senators Ted Cruz, Richard Durbin, John Curtis, and Rick Scott have reintroduced an identical bill.
“The sacrifice of Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas and Harold Cepero is a stark reminder that the ruthless Cuban regime has no respect for human life or rights,” said Congressman Díaz-Balart. “Renaming the street in front of their embassy in honor of Payá will pay tribute to those who lost their lives and ensure that their legacy endures.”
“Despite decades of violence and intimidation, Oswaldo Payá demanded more freedom for Cuba,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “I proudly join my colleagues to honor this human rights hero by making his presence permanent right outside Cuba’s Embassy.”
Read the legislation in English here.
