Colombian Lawmaker: “What They’re Doing to Cuba Is a Crime”

Colombian congresswoman María Fernanda Carrascal describes the situation in Cuba as the result of sustained external pressure, arguing that what is happening to the island is “a crime” that affects its sovereignty and its people’s ability to access basic needs.

Carrascal, who arrived in Cuba as part of the Nuestra América Convoy, points to fuel shortages and economic restrictions as key factors behind the current crisis, warning that the impact goes far beyond Cuba.

“This is not about charity,” she says. “It’s about solidarity — and about giving back to Cuba what it has given to the world.”

She also frames the situation as a broader regional issue, suggesting that what happens in Cuba could signal what’s ahead for other countries in Latin America. That is why she calls for stronger positions across the continent as pressure on Cuba intensifies.

Her statements come as Colombian President Gustavo Petro was designated a “priority target” by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

TRANSCRIPT

“I’m here demonstrating the solidarity that Colombia has always had with Cuba,” said María Fernanda Carrascal, Colombian congresswoman. “And when I say Colombia, I mean the social organizations, the unions that make up part of the government, the first Colombian government of the people in 215 years.”

“We came to power just four years ago,” Carrascal added. “Gustavo Petro has also been very much in solidarity with Cuba.”

“It’s the first time that we have a government that has been so transparent, in a way that has been very forthright,” she said.

“Why is it important for Colombia and Latin America to be in solidarity with Cuba?” asked Liz Oliva Fernández, journalist with Belly of the Beast.

“We’ve seen how Cuba has extended its support with all its medical brigades, its literacy campaigns that have existed for many decades,” Carrascal explained.

“And Cuba helped Colombia when we needed it most, to end our armed conflict of more than 60 years,” she added.

“Cuba not only hosted peace negotiations, but also gave scholarships to members of social organizations and former combatants,” the congresswoman noted.

“We will always find a way to share solidarity with those who are being strangled,” Carrascal said. “Because what is happening in Cuba is a crime.”

“It completely deprives them of their sovereignty, of their self-determination, in such a cruel way,” she continued.

“Because to take away oil would deprive any nation of providing access to food for children, and medical services,” Carrascal explained.

“It’s terrible. But we will always be here,” she added.

“In the case of Colombia, what does this solidarity look like?” Oliva asked.

“I believe this looks like speaking up, which is very important in this moment, not shying away from what is going on with Cuba,” Carrascal said.

“On the one hand, we could just speak out, and on the other we could export agricultural supplies, batteries, solar panels, certain tools that allow them to be able to sustain their production and economic activity,” she explained.

“Cuba is not waiting for anyone to give them anything,” Carrascal added.

“They are waiting to be able to do commercial trade that will allow them to receive oil to refine,” she said.

“It’s not about charity, it’s not about handouts, it’s absolutely not about gifts either,” Carrascal emphasized.

“Primarily, it is to give back, to make up for everything that the Cuban people have given to all of humanity,” she added.

“Was what happened in Venezuela a warning for the rest of the continent?” Oliva asked.

“We see that the United States is in a very important decline,” Carrascal said.

“Its dominance is deteriorating,” she added.

“This makes the U.S. more dangerous because they are acting out with everything they have, so they don’t lose that dominance and that makes them more dangerous,” the Colombian lawmaker argued.

“We are at risk of another intervention because of what happened in Venezuela recently,” Carrascal warned.

“But an intervention that can include the military,” she added.

“They have threatened Colombia…” Oliva said.

“They have threatened Colombia simply for being sovereign, for making different decisions than other Colombian presidents,” Carrascal responded.

“Seeing what is happening with the Colombian government, but also what is happening with other governments in the region that are under the pressure from Washington, what message would you give to other politicians in the hemisphere in relation to their position on Cuba?” Oliva asked.

“I believe this is the time to take clear positions, to not be neutral about our positions towards what is going on in Cuba,” Carrascal said.

“Because the region’s stability depends on what happens here,” she added.

“I believe it’s time to ground ourselves in a new multilateralism,” Carrascal stated.

“That allows us to resist this onslaught,” she continued.

“This attack not only has to do with a loss of U.S. dominance and therefore a possible military intervention,” she explained.

“But it also has to do with the advance of fascism, opposed to human rights across the continent and globally,” Carrascal added.

“This isn’t a moment to be neutral,” she said.

“It’s a moment to amplify the message and a time to coordinate actions that will allow Cuba to not only resist, but to move forward, protecting their sovereignty, their self-determination,” she concluded.