In an interview with Brazilian journalist Breno Altman, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel defended the regime's crackdown, labeling dissidents as frequent lawbreakers. The interview, available on the official YouTube channel of the Cuban Presidency, saw Díaz-Canel reiterate his assertion that opponents are funded by the United States government, which he uses to justify the arrests and police harassment of those who openly oppose the regime.
"They are mainly funded to carry out vandalistic and terrorist actions in Cuba. Lacking any popular support, they often resort to criminal acts, promoting vandalism, terrorism, assaults, and attacks against national and public safety, as well as the internal order of the country, all supported by a platform that aims to destabilize the nation," Díaz-Canel claimed, employing a familiar rhetoric to discredit the Cuban opposition.
Freedom of Expression in Question
He further stated that these individuals are not prosecuted for opposing the government, asserting that Cuba allows freedom of expression and dissent. "When they are prosecuted by the justice system, with due process, according to our Constitution's norms, they are not condemned for being against the revolution, but for the vandalistic and criminal actions they commit," he assured.
Political Prisoners: A Denial
When questioned about the existence of prisoners of conscience in Cuba, Díaz-Canel firmly denied it. "There are no prisoners of conscience. There are prisoners for committing crimes," he insisted. During the segment of the interview addressing press and expression freedom in the country, he once again accused platforms of being U.S.-funded and lying about the existence of political prisoners.
"There are prisoners for committing crimes, but they classify, spread, lie, and build an entire narrative of political prisoners, prisoners of conscience, and a lack of press freedom. They are the first to deny freedom of opinion and press with all this," he declared. Despite reports from independent organizations like Prisoners Defenders, which count 1,158 political prisoners in Cuba, Díaz-Canel continues to deny their existence and disparages them as criminals.
International Criticism and Internal Challenges
Throughout the interview, he maintained his narrative of the country facing "attacks" from the U.S., blaming international media and social networks for portraying "a virtual Cuba that has nothing to do with the real Cuba." He downplayed the significance of criticisms circulating on digital platforms while criticizing the handling of protests in the United States.
Consistent with previous interviews, Díaz-Canel argued that the island's political system guarantees popular participation, despite the absence of legal opposition parties, the persecution of independent press, and the usual repression of protests by law enforcement.
These statements come at a time of rising tension, with prolonged blackouts, rampant inflation, scattered social protests, and an unprecedented migration wave. Meanwhile, the government continues to leverage classic arguments about external enemies, media manipulation, and revolutionary unity.
For many Cubans, however, the gap between the "real Cuba" and the "official Cuba" is not due to foreign propaganda but to the growing disconnection between the authorities and the citizens.
Understanding the Cuban Regime's Perspective on Opponents
What justification does Díaz-Canel use for the regime's crackdown?
Díaz-Canel claims that dissidents are funded by the U.S. to commit criminal acts like vandalism and terrorism, which he uses to justify arrests and police harassment.
How does Díaz-Canel address the issue of political prisoners in Cuba?
Díaz-Canel denies the existence of political prisoners, asserting that those imprisoned are there for committing crimes, not for their opinions or political stance.
What challenges is Cuba currently facing?
Cuba is experiencing prolonged blackouts, rampant inflation, scattered social protests, and unprecedented migration, increasing tension within the country.