In response to the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) labeling Rosa María Payá Acevedo a "mercenary" following her selection as a commissioner for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH), an outpouring of support emerged on social media. Within 24 hours of the document's release on the Cuban regime's official Facebook account, over 250 users voiced their opinions, largely backing the Cuban activist.
Upon reviewing more than 250 comments on the MINREX post, about 60% of the responses supported Payá Acevedo's appointment or criticized the regime's stance. Meanwhile, 29% aligned with the Cuban government's position, and 11% remained neutral or ambiguous. This distribution highlights a prevailing trend of support for the activist among those interacting with the official content on social media, which was also evident on other pro-government profiles on platforms like X and Instagram.
Public Sentiment Against the Regime's Narrative
Despite the Cuban regime's attempts to undermine Payá's credibility and question the legitimacy of her new role, the majority of comments on the official post reflected a rejection of the regime's rhetoric and acknowledged her efforts as a human rights advocate in Cuba. Critical remarks against MINREX, often laced with irony and staunch defense of Payá Acevedo, dominated the thread, reflecting the sentiments of a significant portion of both exiles and Cubans inside and outside the island.
Messages of congratulations to Rosa María Payá filled the comments, with users describing her as "dignified," "courageous," and a "Cuban pride." Some mockingly suggested that the government's reaction was a sign of her effectiveness: "If it bothers them so much, it means she's doing something right."
Cuban Voices Amplified Through Social Media
One widely-shared comment encapsulated the general sentiment: “They criticize Rosa María Payá, yet they lack electricity, food, and freedom. Who is the real problem here?” Another added, “A mercenary is someone who gets paid to stay silent while the people suffer. Payá speaks up for millions.”
Outrage also took the form of direct questions to MINREX: “Why are you worried if Cuba is not part of the OAS?” and “Why does it bother you so much if, according to you, she represents nothing?” Such interventions not only reject the official narrative but also indicate a growing critical awareness among netizens.
Even those not overtly aligned with the activist acknowledged the hypocrisy in the government's statement: “They talk about human rights but don't allow their own people to express themselves freely. Their rhetoric collapses on its own,” noted one user.
A Symbolic Victory Against Authoritarianism
In response to the government's accusation that Payá Acevedo lacks expertise in human rights, several users fired back: “And what does the regime know about human rights? Is locking up and beating protesters considered experience?” Irony and sarcasm were prevalent, with many mocking the tone of the statement, calling it an “official tantrum.”
Some contextualized Rosa María Payá’s appointment as a symbolic victory against authoritarianism. “Today, Cuba has a voice in the CIDH, even if it pains the regime. Her appointment is a slap in the face to those who have tried to silence her all her life,” one user expressed.
Another wrote: “The daughter of Oswaldo Payá today raises the flag of human rights from a place where it is heard. And that bothers them.” Comments reflected frustration but also hope: “66 years of dictatorship and they still dare to speak of human rights. Rosa being there gives us hope.” Others viewed the regime's reaction as a sign of weakness: “The louder they scream, the more they fear.”
As MINREX continues its confrontational narrative, the public response reveals that rather than delegitimizing the appointment, these attacks have had the opposite effect: amplifying public support for Rosa María Payá Acevedo and reinforcing her legitimacy as a champion for human rights in Cuba.
Amidst censorship, repression, and the hardships faced by millions of Cubans, Payá Acevedo’s appointment has sparked a new avenue for international representation of voices critical of the regime. For many, this victory is a shared triumph.
Understanding the Impact of Rosa María Payá's CIDH Appointment
Why did the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs label Rosa María Payá a "mercenary"?
MINREX labeled Rosa María Payá as a "mercenary" following her appointment to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which they view as an opposition to their regime and policies.
What was the public reaction to the MINREX statement?
The public reaction was largely supportive of Payá, with the majority of comments on social media criticizing the regime's stance and praising her human rights advocacy.
How does Rosa María Payá's appointment impact the representation of Cuban voices?
Her appointment offers a new platform for critical Cuban voices in the international arena, challenging the regime's narrative and advocating for human rights.