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Posted on Sun, Oct. 27, 2002 in
The Miami Herald
Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas deserves the Sakharov Prize for Freedom
of Thought for 2002 awarded him by the European Parliament last week. Mr. Payá,
the force behind the Varela Project, has led a peaceful movement seeking
democratic change and human rights in Cuba since 1987. By recognizing him, the
European Union promotes international attention to dissidents' struggle and
increases criticism of the Cuban dictatorship.
The message: The European Union supports Cuban dissidents. It's past time
for Cuba to enter the community of nations that recognize individual rights to
free speech, association, religion, multiparty elections and private property.
Should Cuba not allow Mr. Payá to go to France to accept his award, or
not let him return to Cuba, the regime will get yet another highly visible black
eye.
Such international acclaim for Mr. Payá encourages hope and shines a
light on the darkness of Cuba's repressive regime. He and and other courageous
dissidents seeking to liberate Cuba are not alone or unheard. | 
