Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a U.S. Congresswoman representing Florida’s 27th district, used her social media platform on January 13, 2026, to call for stronger action from Europe regarding the Cuban government and its treatment of dissidents.
In a post made in English at 13:59 UTC, Salazar stated, “For over six decades, the Cuban regime has executed dissidents, tortured opponents, and imprisoned thousands for demanding freedom. It is time for Europe to move beyond statements and start demanding liberty for the Cuban people and end the flow of funds that prop up the https://t.co/hls7rYQTku”.
Shortly after, at 14:01 UTC, she posted a similar message in Spanish: “Durante más de seis décadas, el régimen cubano ha fusilado disidentes, torturado a opositores y encarcelado a miles por exigir libertad. Es hora de que Europa vaya más allá de las declaraciones y comience a exigir libertad para el pueblo cubano, poniendo fin al flujo de fondos https://t.co/hls7rYQTku”.
Earlier that day at 00:30 UTC, Salazar shared an additional post without further commentary: https://t.co/djpLEVltmk.
The Cuban government has faced longstanding criticism from international human rights organizations for suppressing political dissent through imprisonment and alleged abuses. Over recent years, calls have increased among U.S. lawmakers to pressure European countries to take more concrete actions beyond issuing public statements regarding Cuba’s human rights record.
Salazar has been vocal about issues concerning Cuba throughout her tenure in Congress. Her recent posts continue her advocacy for increased international pressure on the Cuban regime and highlight ongoing debates within Western governments over their approach to engagement with Havana.