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Statement by Mrs. Bush on the Ladies in White
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For Immediate Release Office of the First Lady October 16, 2008

Statement by Mrs. Bush on the Ladies in White

˙˙Photos


Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez and I spoke by
digital video conference to members of the Ladies in White in Cuba. These
women show a courage and determination that is deeply moving, and their
stories are an important reminder that dictatorship cannot crush the spirit
of freedom.

The United States will continue to shine a light on the abuses of the
Castro regime, which has imprisoned the husbands, sons, and brothers of the
Ladies in White, as well as other Cubans who attempt to exercise their
fundamental human rights. The United States supports the efforts of the
Ladies in White and other independent civil society activists to free all
political prisoners and restore human rights in Cuba.

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The Ladies in White is an organization that includes spouses and other
relatives of jailed dissidents. The organization was formed in 2003 to
protest the arrest of 75 dissidents by the Cuban regime. Members of the
organization have been consistently detained, threatened, and at times
beaten by police during their peaceful protests.
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