Marcell Felipe is a longtime Miami attorney focused on advocating for democracy and developing pathways for Cuban reconstruction after the current communist regime. One of Marcell Felipe’s several leadership positions is as chair and founder of the nonprofit Inspire America Foundation, and he supports efforts by international leaders to present Cuba with freedom-focused alternatives to its current repression.
King Felipe VI of Spain recently made a visit to Cuba that was criticized by a number of dissident groups, as the royal did not meet with human rights activists or with leaders in the government to discuss change. The timing of his visit was also an issue, as Cuba has recently increased repression of peaceful opposition activists such as Jose Daniel Ferrer. In early October, the human rights proponent was arrested without being charged, and he has allegedly been tortured in prison.
According to the Miami Herald, Felipe’s visit ran the risk of “giving political legitimacy to an unelected regime.” The Spanish king addressed these concerns at an official dinner on November 14, at which he courageously spoke on a need for democratic freedoms in Cuba in the presence of Miguel Diaz-Canel, the island’s dictator.
Although King Felipe VI’s words in support of democracy were not broadcast live or printed in Cuban newspapers, they have resonated throughout the world and are posted on the king’s website.
Marcell Felipe 