Psaki Gets Challenged By Reporter Over Admin. Claims That Cubans Are Protesting COVID
During Monday’s press briefing, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was challenged about the administration’s assertion over the weekend that pro-freedom Cuban protesters were protesting COVID-19.
“And then on Cuba, you’re talking today about how some of these protests are inspired by people exhausted with the government. Why is it that yesterday the State Department was saying that this was all happening out of concern about rising COVID cases?”Fox News reporter Peter Doocy said.
“Well, I would say first, that the protests were just happening yesterday, we’re still assessing what is motivating and, of course, in driving all of the individuals who came to the streets, but we know that when we say exhaustion, the, the, um, the, uh, the manner by which the people of Cuba are governed, that can cover a range of issues, whether it’s economic suppression, media suppression, lack of access to health and medical supplies, including vaccines,” Psaki claimed.
“There are a range of reasons and voices we’re hearing from people on the ground who are protesting,” Psaki added.
“So, when these protesters are yelling ‘freedom’ and ‘enough’ there are people within the administration who think they’re saying freedom from rising COVID cases?” Doocy questioned.
“Again, I would say that when people are out there in the streets protesting and complaining about the lack of access to economic prosperity, to the medical supplies they need, to a life they deserve to live, that can take on a range of meanings,” Psaki claimed.
“There’s a global pandemic right now. Most people in that country don’t have access to vaccines. That certainly is something we’d love to help with,” Pskai also stated.
Peter Doocy grills Psaki on the Biden admin's suggestion that the protests in Cuba are in response to COVID: "So when these protestors are yelling 'freedom' and 'enough,' there are people in the administration who think they are saying 'freedom from rising COVID cases'?" pic.twitter.com/w66RgxEYnB
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) July 12, 2021
Julie Chung, Acting Assistant Secretary for the US Department of State’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, said that the demonstrations were focused upon the coronavirus epidemic, prompting Doocy’s concerns.
“Peaceful protests are growing in #Cuba as the Cuban people exercise their right to peaceful assembly to express concern about rising COVID cases/deaths & medicine shortages,” Chung tweeted.
“We commend the numerous efforts of the Cuban people mobilizing donations to help neighbors in need,” Chung’s tweet added.
Peaceful protests are growing in #Cuba as the Cuban people exercise their right to peaceful assembly to express concern about rising COVID cases/deaths & medicine shortages. We commend the numerous efforts of the Cuban people mobilizing donations to help neighbors in need.
— Julie Chung (@WHAAsstSecty) July 11, 2021
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