It was eleven years ago today when Cuban human rights and democracy activists Oswaldo Payá and Harold Cepero were assassinated by State Security agents of the communist Castro dictatorship. Advocating for human rights or democracy in Castroist Cuba is a crime, and anyone who dares to try it is considered a direct threat to the authority and legitimacy of the totalitarian regime. For those who commit this crime is oftentimes death, as shown in the case of Oswaldo and Harold and countless others.

On July 22, 2012, the names of these two courageous and peaceful activists were added to the constantly growing list of Cuban martyrs that spans more than six decades. On the eleventh anniversary of their murders, we remember and honor their courage in the fight for freedom in Cuba and the ultimate sacrifice they both made for their fellow countrymen.