STATEMENT BY LARRY COX Executive Director, Amnesty International USA

STATEMENT BY LARRY COX
Executive Director, Amnesty International USA

“There should be no mixed messages about slavery. When Florida Agriculture Department spokesman Terrance McElroy cites ‘only’ one slavery case a year to suggest that his state does not have a big problem on its hands, he undermines the point that any case of abuse is too much. This incident should serve as a wake-up call: if Florida is serious about eradicating slavery, its officials must be unequivocal in affirming that not a single instance of it will be tolerated.

Amnesty International strongly urges Governor Crist and relevant authorities in the state to work with affected communities and their representatives as a first step in addressing the full scope of abuses occurring in Florida’s
fields.”

– Larry Cox, Executive Director Amnesty International USA