“Oswaldo Payá Way”: Bill Renames Street in Front of Cuban Regime’s Embassy in Honor of Murdered Pro-Democracy Leader

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Legislators Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL-26) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25) have reintroduced a bipartisan bill proposing to rename the street in front of the Cuban regime’s embassy in Washington, D.C., as “Oswaldo Payá Way,” in honor of the Cuban pro-democracy activist and leader of the Christian Liberation Movement, Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas, who was assassinated.

Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas was assassinated on July 22, 2012, following a car accident orchestrated by the Castro regime, in which young activist Harold Cepero also died. Spanish activist Ángel Carromero survived and has recounted the tragic experience in detail.

Last month, his daughter, Rosa María Payá, was elected as a commissioner for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). She has dedicated her life to promoting the freedom of the Cuban people and other peoples suffering under authoritarian regimes in our hemisphere, keeping alive the memory of the sacrifice of many, including her father, in the fight for freedom.

House co-sponsors include legislators: María Elvira Salazar (R-FL); Frederica Wilson (D-FL); Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL); Darren Soto (D-FL); and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY).

The related bill in the Senate was reintroduced by U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX); Richard Durbin (D-IL); John Curtis (R-UT); and Rick Scott (R-FL).

“The sacrifice of Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas and Harold Cepero is a forceful reminder that the ruthless Cuban regime has no respect for human life, dignity, or human rights. Renaming the street in front of the regime’s embassy in D.C. in Payá’s honor will pay tribute to those who lost their lives and ensure that his legacy and his fight for a free Cuba endure. The Cuban people will be free, thanks to the brave heroes within the island who continue to risk everything in the name of liberty,” said Congressman Díaz-Balart.

“Facing decades of violence, threats, and intimidation, Oswaldo Payá demanded that Cuba allow more freedom for its people. I proudly join my colleagues in honoring this human rights hero by making his presence permanent, right in front of the Cuban Embassy, as a constant reminder of his work to bring justice to the Cuban people,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz.

Read the legislation here.