Crowd meets outside Miami’s Versailles in solidarity with Cuban political protesters

The crowd outside of the Versailles Restaurant in Miami's Little Havana during an event in solidarity with the July 11 protesters who are serving time in prison in Cuba.

MIAMI – Dozens met to mark the first anniversary of the historic July 11 protests in Cuba on Monday afternoon outside of the Versailles Restaurant in Miami’s Little Havana.

A man walked with the group along Eighth Street as he dragged the thick silver chains that were wrapped around him. He was representing a Cuban political prisoner. Most of the demonstrators were dressed in white. Some drivers honked their horns.

The demonstration was part of a series of events in Miami-Dade County to show solidarity with the Cubans who were sentenced to prison for daring to protest against the communist regime.

Some of the demonstrators had attended a meeting earlier at the Bay of Pigs Museum in Miami. A man said he was there to show solidarity with those who remain in labor camps.

Some demonstrators were also attending a Catholic prayer vigil on Monday night at the Our Lady of Charity Shrine, at 3609 S. Miami Ave.

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About the Authors:

Andrew Perez is a South Florida native who joined the Local 10 News team in May 2014.

Christian De La Rosa joined Local 10 News in April 2017 after spending time as a reporter and anchor in Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando and Panama City Beach.