Adopting in Cuba: Diasniurka Salcedo's Challenging Journey

Diasniurka Salcedo, a Cuban activist now residing in the United States, has opened up about her emotional journey to adopt two children in Cuba—a process fraught with legal, bureaucratic, and personal hurdles. Through a heartfelt video and message shared on her social media, Salcedo detailed her experience, responding to the curiosity of many followers. Despite the daunting path, her profound love for her children fueled her perseverance.

A Love-Driven Struggle

"Indeed, it was incredibly tough," Salcedo admitted on Facebook. The initial step toward guardianship required the child's biological father to move into her home, a challenging situation given they were practically strangers. Yet, driven by a desire to remove the children from an orphanage, she decided to face the situation "with all the love in the world."

Over the years, she endured frequent visits from Education, Public Health, and Prosecutor's Office representatives. "It was unbearable, but love conquers all," she declared. Additionally, Salcedo faced a legal battle to secure custody, plagued by delays and persecutions. One of the most challenging aspects was finding a lawyer willing to represent her due to fears of reprisal. "It took months, but one brave lawyer took my case, and I will always be grateful," she noted.

The Most Challenging Day: The Court Hearing

Salcedo recounted, through tears, the most impactful moment: the court trial, where the authorities unexpectedly presented the child's biological mother, incarcerated for child abuse. During the proceedings, the mother, despite alleged threats, supported Salcedo, declaring, "My children can't have a better mother than her. Do what you want with me."

This statement concluded the legal process, with the judge immediately revoking the mother's parental rights. In a gesture that moved everyone, Salcedo ran to the mother with the children, urging her to bid them farewell. "She cried like a baby, knelt down, and asked for forgiveness," Salcedo shared. "It's difficult to understand, but judgment lies with God," she remarked.

Current Accusations and Family Defense

Amidst these revelations, Salcedo faces a complex situation in the United States, under investigation for alleged child abuse claims she attributes to a smear campaign by Cuban State Security to silence her activism. On the night of April 28, following three anonymous calls, the police launched an inquiry. As of now, no charges have been filed, and Salcedo and her husband retain custody of the children. They have expressed full cooperation with authorities.

In another post, Diasniurka disclosed ongoing legal efforts to uncover the origin of the anonymous calls, suspecting multiple individuals involved. "Their aim is to tarnish my reputation to stop my activism, to expose the communist regime!" she proclaimed. "Our home is equipped with cameras everywhere, capturing our daily family life, so let them make up another story; if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear," she emphasized.

Saving Two Lives

Salcedo adopted her children when they were infants—the girl at three months old and the boy at 14 months—after learning about the abuse they suffered from family members. "I rescued them. Alex, the boy, was burned with cigarettes and placed in tanks. In Cuba, we sought psychological help for him," she revealed in an earlier post.

She left Cuba with her husband and the two children via Nicaragua in January of the previous year. The Cuban government prevented her from taking two other children, even turning one back at Havana airport. These children remain in Cuba, cared for by their grandmother.

Fourteen months after arriving in Miami, despite new challenges, Salcedo remains steadfast: "My children are my life, and truth always prevails over evil." With the support of her followers and her faith in justice, she vows to continue her fight until those responsible for the smear campaign are held accountable.