Washington - Orlando Zapata Tamayo, a Cuban pro-democracy activist and political prisoner, who was first incarcerated during the 2003 crackdown on dissidence known as the "Black Spring" - has died following a hunger strike protesting the Castro regime's brutal abuses. Amnesty International had recognized Tamayo as a "Prisoner of Conscience."

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement:

"The Castro regime has more blood on its clenched hands. The story of Orlando Zapata Tamayo is tragically symbolic of the regime's disdain for democracy, free speech and basic human freedoms - it is so opposed to these liberties that it imprisoned and let die this peaceful and principled man. This is a vivid reminder that, though the names have changed, the oppression and suppression by which this regime rules has not. Everyone who believes in human rights is mourning the death of Zapata. He sacrificed his life for the sake Cuban freedom. His struggle and sacrifice will never be forgotten."

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