Florida's Republican Senator Rick Scott recently shared a video on his X account with a stark warning to Cuba's ruling regime: "Your days are numbered."
In his message, Scott harshly criticizes Havana's oppressive tactics: "They take a young, healthy individual, imprison them for their political beliefs, starve them, torture them, and deny cancer treatment. This is the true face of Cuba's communist regime. It's appalling."
The senator concluded with a direct threat to Raúl Castro and Miguel Díaz-Canel, stating, "I look forward to seeing you serve time for the crimes against humanity you've committed against so many in Cuba."
The Struggle of Alexander Díaz Rodríguez
The video highlights the plight of Alexander Díaz Rodríguez, a political prisoner from Cárdenas, Matanzas, sentenced to five years for sedition and contempt following the massive July 11, 2021 protests.
Díaz Rodríguez entered Pinar del Río's Kilo 5½ prison weighing 179 lbs and was released on April 12 weighing just 81 lbs, having lost 98 lbs over five years.
During his imprisonment, he developed thyroid cancer—diagnosed in October 2022—and contracted hepatitis B, all without receiving appropriate cancer treatment. He also suffered solitary confinement, beatings, and forced labor.
His mother, Moraima Rodríguez Batista, publicly declared in May 2025, "All I want is for my son to live. He has cancer and is getting worse."
Scott's Campaign Against the Regime
Díaz Rodríguez's case has become central to Scott's anti-regime efforts. On April 27, at the "United for Cuba" prayer event in Miami's Bayfront Park, Scott demanded the imprisonment of Díaz-Canel and Raúl Castro, showcasing images of the former political prisoner.
Just two days later, on April 29, Scott presented Díaz Rodríguez's image on the Senate floor during a debate over a Democrat-related resolution on Cuba—blocked by a 51 to 47 vote—calling it "the face of Cuban people's misery."
Efforts to Aid Díaz Rodríguez
On Wednesday, exiled activist Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia initiated a campaign to raise $4,000 to secure permanent housing for Díaz Rodríguez, who remains homeless and unable to work.
Scott's message coincided with a report from Prisoners Defenders, documenting an unprecedented 1,260 political prisoners in Cuba as of April 30, 2026, with a peak of 1,367 that month and a total of 2,048 prisoners since July 11.
Since January 2026, Scott has reiterated the regime's impending downfall, linking the decline of Venezuelan chavismo to Havana's weakening grip.
He previously posted on X: "These are the final days of Díaz-Canel's regime, of the Castros' regime in Cuba. No more oil for Cuba, no more money for Cuba."
Cuba's Political Crisis and Human Rights Violations
What is the significance of Alexander Díaz Rodríguez's case?
Alexander Díaz Rodríguez's case symbolizes the harsh realities faced by political prisoners under Cuba's regime, drawing international attention to the country's human rights abuses.
How has Rick Scott reacted to the Cuban regime's actions?
Rick Scott has been vocal in condemning the Cuban regime, advocating for justice against its leaders and highlighting cases like Díaz Rodríguez's to rally international support against human rights violations.
What actions have been taken to support Díaz Rodríguez after his release?
Activists have launched fundraising campaigns to help provide Díaz Rodríguez with stable housing and support, addressing his precarious situation post-release.