McCain Campaign Press Release - John McCain 2008 Launches New Spanish Radio Ad, "Cuba Prisoners"

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released a new Spanish radio ad, entitled "Cuba Prisoners," which will run in Southern Florida. Please find below a transcript for the English translation of the ad and links to listen to the ad.

"Cuba Prisoners" -- (Radio:60)

ROBERTO MARTIN PEREZ: This is Roberto Martin Perez, Cuban political prisoner for 28 years.

The harsh reality is that millions of my fellow Cuban citizens are prisoners in their own country.

Despite this, our spirit remains resilient; and John McCain knows that Raul Castro is like his brother, a man that does almost anything to stay in power, violating the fundamental rights of Cubans.

Now, he allows them to use cell phones and computers, but at the same time, censors the right to speak.

While some support a dialogue with Raul Castro, John McCain believes we should support the courageous men and women who continue to stand up for freedom in Cuba.

Rather than resume relations with Raul Castro, John McCain wants first and foremost for all political prisoners to be released.

As someone who has survived the harsh conditions of the Vietnamese prisons, John McCain knows that freedom in Cuba won't be achieved with concessions to dictatorships.

JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

ANNCR: Paid for by John McCain 2008.

LISTEN TO THE "CUBA PRISONERS" AD HERE OR HERE

Background On Roberto Martin Perez:

In August of 1959, the Castro regime imprisoned 24 year old Roberto Martin Perez. He was held as a political prisoner for 28 years, including 18 years in solitary confinement. In prison, he was cruelly tortured and shot six times. He was knows as a "plantado" -- a political prisoner who resisted the Castro regime's "rehabilitation program" by refusing to wear the uniforms of common prisoners and spent 22 years in their underwear. Since his exile from Cuba in 1988, he has dedicated his life to fighting for the freedom of the Cuban people.