Journalist Oliver Zamora Refutes Scandal, Denies Ownership of Luxury Car: "I Don't Even Own a Bicycle"

Oliver Zamora Oria, a journalist aligned with the Cuban government, has found himself in the spotlight following reports of his alleged purchase of a Bestune T55, a high-end vehicle that remains out of reach for the majority of Cubans. In response to the backlash, Zamora took to Facebook to share a conversation he had with a taxi driver who recognized him and was surprised he wasn't driving the car.

Zamora explained to the driver that the car belongs to his workplace, was paid for by them, and is their property, emphasizing, "I don't even own a bicycle, let alone a driver's license. It's just that these details aren't shared to fuel gossip." The journalist, who acts as a spokesperson for the regime, received backing from colleagues and supporters of the government.

Ricardo Ronquillo, head of the Union of Cuban Journalists (UPEC), spoke out about defending journalists against what he described as "moral and ethical lynching" and manipulation in the ongoing "communication war." Meanwhile, Lázaro Manuel Alonso jokingly suggested to Zamora that he should sell him the car when he gets a new one, to which Zamora replied, "With a month's salary, you won't finish paying for it until the year 3600."

Israel Rojas, from the duo Buena Fe, also chimed in, labeling the critics as "scoundrels, liars, morally sick, and lacking values."

Back in late May, Zamora, who serves as a correspondent for RT in Havana and regularly defends the regime's narrative on national television, released a video announcing the acquisition of the Bestune T55. This compact Chinese-made SUV, valued at $26,845, was purchased through MCV Comercial S.A., a company representing brands like Mercedes-Benz on the island. The company highlighted that Zamora's choice was influenced by "optimal maintenance conditions, availability, and parts replacement."

The luxury vehicle's modern features, such as air conditioning, a rearview camera, parking sensors, and advanced technology, starkly contrast with Cuba's dilapidated streets and the harsh reality faced by millions who lack even decent public transportation.

The purchase ignited public outrage amid a backdrop of frequent power outages, widespread shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, and rampant inflation eroding the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. Despite Zamora Oria's denial of buying the car and his efforts to downplay criticism, this incident highlights the widening gap between government elites and the populace during an economic crisis.

While owning a car in Cuba isn't illegal, Zamora's earnings as an RT correspondent in Havana could justify such a purchase. However, the real issue lies in the message conveyed when a regime official, who publicly condemns "profiting from the Cuban people's misfortunes," enjoys material privileges unavailable to the masses.

His rhetoric, which absolves the regime of any responsibility for the crisis, instead placing blame solely on the United States, exemplifies the information manipulation that maintains the regime's power. Meanwhile, whether or not it's his vehicle, the car continues its journey through a city drowning in poverty and frustration.