Mike Hammer, the head of the U.S. Mission in Cuba, paid a visit on Sunday to Juan Alberto de la Nuez, a dissident who was recently attacked in Cienfuegos. Despite being in a serious condition, de la Nuez welcomed Hammer into his home along with his brother, Bárbaro de la Nuez, calling for justice and the respect of all Cubans' rights. This visit was shared on the U.S. Embassy's social media platform.
Juan Alberto de la Nuez Ramírez, a Cuban dissident residing in Aguada de Pasajeros, was recently stabbed. Despite the severity of the attack, his assailants have been released by the police. De la Nuez identified his attackers and reported them to the authorities, but the state's response has been silence and impunity.
The situation has grown more concerning following revelations that key documents containing statements related to the case have vanished, as reported by the dissident's lawyer. In his efforts to understand Cuba better, Hammer has been actively visiting various provinces in the central region of the island.
These visits are part of a series of engagements Hammer initiated upon his arrival in Havana, where he has engaged with ordinary citizens, activists, and dissidents, including José Daniel Ferrer, Guillermo Fariñas, and Martha Beatriz Roque. "I want to speak with anyone willing to share their perspectives," Hammer stated, underscoring the importance of hearing directly from the Cuban people.
Hammer's presence at significant locations such as the Shrine of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, coupled with his willingness to engage face-to-face with Cubans from various backgrounds, has sparked both interest and discomfort within the Cuban regime. The regime has accused him of meddling in domestic affairs.
Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío criticized Hammer, accusing him of acting like "an activist encouraging Cubans to act against their country," thereby justifying repressive measures as defense against a "hostile foreign power."
This week, the diplomat also met with independent journalists and civil society members in Camagüey. On Thursday, he visited independent journalists from La Hora de Cuba, Henry Constantín and Iris Mariño, and posed with regime-critical priest Alberto Reyes in Esmeralda. On Friday, he engaged with a group of entrepreneurs from the region.
Understanding the Impact of U.S. Diplomatic Visits in Cuba
What was the purpose of Mike Hammer's visit to Juan Alberto de la Nuez?
Mike Hammer's visit aimed to show solidarity with Juan Alberto de la Nuez, a dissident who was recently attacked, and to call for justice and respect for human rights in Cuba.
Why has the Cuban regime criticized Mike Hammer?
The Cuban regime has criticized Hammer for allegedly interfering in domestic affairs, accusing him of encouraging opposition against the government and labeling his actions as those of a "hostile foreign power."
What actions has Hammer taken to understand Cuba better?
Hammer has engaged with various groups across the island, including dissidents, activists, journalists, and entrepreneurs, as part of his efforts to gain a deeper understanding of Cuba and its challenges.