Lázaro Mireles, a Cuban freedom activist and leader of the Movement Actions for Democracy, recently fell victim to a vicious assault in Madrid, where he resides and works in the hospitality industry. Mireles recounted the harrowing incident in a video shared on his social media, detailing how a group of eight individuals attacked him on Tuesday night, shouting obscenities and delivering a brutal beating.
The activist described receiving punches to the face, one of which resulted in a bleeding injury requiring four stitches to his lip. Additionally, he endured hits with sticks to his back and a forceful kick that caused facial swelling. Although he suffered an eye hemorrhage, Mireles was promptly treated at an emergency clinic, where ophthalmology specialists confirmed no internal damage to his eye.
"They hit me with sticks on my back, and I dropped down to shield my head. They didn't take anything—no phone, wallet, or chains. This wasn't a typical robbery," Mireles stated in his account of the event. The activist believes the attack was politically motivated, as none of his belongings, despite being in plain view, were taken by the assailants.
"Had this been a regular mugging, they would have taken my things. But this was different. This was a message," he asserted. Mireles emphasized his commitment to continue speaking out against the Cuban regime, underscoring that such actions would not silence him or impede his activism. "My first complaint will always be against the dictatorship. At the slightest provocation, always upward against them. Because even the smallest among us is a thorn that pierces deeply," he declared.
The Movement Actions for Democracy has denounced the attack, and numerous social media users have expressed solidarity with Mireles, demanding a thorough investigation by Spanish authorities into the incident.
Understanding the Attack on Cuban Activist Lázaro Mireles
Who is Lázaro Mireles?
Lázaro Mireles is a Cuban freedom activist and the president of the Movement Actions for Democracy, living and working in Madrid, Spain.
What were the circumstances of the attack?
Mireles was attacked by a group of eight individuals who shouted insults and physically assaulted him, causing injuries that required medical attention.
Why does Mireles believe the attack was politically motivated?
Mireles believes the attack was a political intimidation tactic because the attackers did not steal any of his belongings, which were easily accessible.