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