Havana, July 12 (RHC)-- "Cuban doctors are neither slaves, nor exploited, nor spies, nor traitors," said Dalsy Torres Avila, head of the medical brigade of the Henry Reeve International Contingent which left today for Azerbaijan to accompany that nation in the fight against COVID-19.

Torres Avila said that in a few hours they will leave to challenge with their example, altruism and solidarity the campaigns woven by the empire, convinced that they will defeat the pandemic and will return with "mission accomplished."

"We have not committed any crime.  We, Cuban doctors, are the freest slaves in the world," he said as he spoke at the flag raising ceremony.

"As a doctor, I offered my willingness to fulfill my mission anywhere in the world where it is needed, and while I fulfill it I continue to receive my salary in Cuba and the Cuban State will take care of my family," Torres Avila said.

The brigade chief said that it is a vulgarity to say that Cuban medical collaboration is a form of human trafficking.  "We do not and will never accept lessons in morality and human rights from the champions of human rights violations and terrorism in the world," he said.