LIVE UPDATES: Cuba's crackdown doesn't silence protesters, government confirms 1 man dead
Cuban authorities confirmed Tuesday that one person has died during demonstrations that have shaken the island in recent days by protesting over food shortages, high prices and other grievances against the government.
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UFC’s Jorge Masvidal decided to use his platform on Monday to speak out on the fight against oppression, dictatorships and communism in Cuba. In a Twitter post, he described the country as a "killing machine."
"My father escaped Cuba when he was 14 years old," Masvidal wrote. "And I’ve only heard the horror stories since I could process thoughts of how s--- this communist regime, killing machine is. So I just want to shed some light on Cuba — big SOS signal for them.
Reuters raised eyebrows on Wednesday for sounding the alarm on the coronavirus pandemic implications of the historic protests that have erupted in Cuba this week.
The newswire published a story with the headline "Cuban protests risk exacerbating COVID-19 spike - PAHO," citing concerns from the Pan American Health Organization over the contagious Delta variant that has spread globally that could infect Cubans and tourists.
U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Eric C. Jones issued a statement in support of pro-democracy protesters in Cuba earlier this week -- but warned potential migrants not to set sail for America.
“As a humanitarian organization with a core mission of protecting lives at-sea, we echo the message of many U.S. leaders in the support of the Cuban people exercising their fundamental right of freedom of expression and assembly, but also remind anyone considering a migrant voyage to not take to the sea,” he said Monday. “The transit is dangerous and unforgiving as nearly 20 lives were tragically lost in recent weeks as a result of these dangerous voyages.”
But that warning hasn't deterred U.S. citizens from taking their own boats in the opposite direction, according to CBS Miami. One such group set off Monday night, although organizers said they were unsure if they'd be allowed to offload supplies once they reach the island nation.
A Cuban-American doctor explained Wednesday why Cuba is a "terrible, corrupt nation" after prominent socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., praised the communist country's policies.
"To talk about health care in Cuba is to talk about one of the saddest things on Earth," Miami physician Dr. Grazie Christie told "Fox & Friends."
Republicans are urging President Biden to take action to aid the people of Cuba, as protests have erupted in recent days with demands for freedom. Senator John Kennedy told Fox News' Harris Faulkner on "The Faulkner Focus" that Biden needs to be actively working with world leaders to support the Cuban people.
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., appeared on "Fox & Friends" Wednesday.
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., joined “Fox & Friends” on Wednesday to provide insight into why Cubans are rallying against the communist government.
Rubio, son of Cuban immigrants, said that since the Cuban government has begun disrupting the internet and sent police forces into the streets, it’s unclear how many people have died, been seriously injured or arrested.
“What’s happening there is horrifying,” the senator said.
Cuban authorities confirmed Tuesday that one person has died during demonstrations against the government.
Watch the interview on FoxNews.com: https://video.foxnews.com/v/6263663279001#sp=show-clips
Mayor Francis Suarez is calling for the U.S. to intervene in Cuba after scores of demonstrators flooded the streets near Miami's Little Havana, demanding an end to the nation’s communist regime.
Protesters took to the street in Tampa, Florida, to voice their support of the anti-government protests in Cub. (Fox 13 News)
A protest broke out in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday in support of the anti-government protesters in Cuba and participants appealed to the Biden administration to take a firmer stance on the crackdown in Havana.
"Where is Biden?" the protesters chanted, according to Fox 13 News. "Where is Biden?"
The Biden administration has said it stands by the people of Cuba who demand basic human rights. President Biden called the protests "remarkable" and a "clarion call for freedom."
Yoani Sánchez, a journalist in the country, said on a podcast on Tuesday, "There’s no turning back. People felt what it’s like to scream freedom in the streets of Cuba."
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