The Cuban government unleashed a wave of repression to prevent activists, journalists, and civil society members from attending a reception organized by the U.S. Embassy in Havana in honor of Independence Day, which took place this Wednesday. According to Martí Noticias, numerous opposition figures were arrested while others were subjected to surveillance or house arrest in a coordinated effort by State Security to block their participation in the diplomatic event.
Starting early on July 2, activists reported police operations and arbitrary restrictions in various parts of the country. Among those arrested was Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White, who was detained in her Lawton neighborhood as she left her home. Also apprehended were dissident rapper Osvaldo Navarro and his partner, activist Marthadela Tamayo, in the Cerro municipality.
Dr. Oscar Elías Biscet and his wife Elsa Morejón, as well as journalist Camila Acosta and her partner, writer Ángel Santiesteban, were also prevented from leaving their homes. Acosta, a correspondent for the Spanish newspaper ABC, criticized the regime for escalating repression in response to increased international pressure, stating, “The ultimate goal is to isolate us and also put pressure on diplomats.”
Repression Beyond Havana
The crackdown extended beyond Havana. In Camajuaní, Villa Clara, opposition figure Librado Linares reported police operations and constant surveillance around his block. In Aguada de Pasajeros, Cienfuegos, brothers Bárbaro and Juan Alberto de la Nuez were threatened by political police to prevent them from traveling to the capital. In Pinar del Río, authorities barred Eduardo Díaz Fleitas and Nilda García Fleitas, the mother of a political prisoner, from traveling to Havana.
Silencing Voices
In the capital, independent journalist Yunia Figueredo and her husband Frank Correa were detained after refusing to attend a police interrogation. Reynaldo Escobar, a journalist from 14ymedio, condemned the repression as a "disrespect" to a country with which Cuba maintains diplomatic relations, recalling the historical involvement of Cubans in U.S. independence: “During that war, Havana helped finance part of George Washington’s efforts. Now, they even prevent attendance at a commemorative celebration.”
The Cuban government has accused Mike Hammer, the U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d'Affaires, of interference and has threatened to expel him for meeting with dissidents, religious figures, and other civil society representatives.
FAQs on Cuban Government's Repression
What was the purpose of the U.S. Embassy event in Havana?
The event organized by the U.S. Embassy in Havana was a reception to commemorate the Independence Day of the United States.
Who were some of the individuals targeted by the Cuban government?
Among those targeted were Berta Soler, leader of the Ladies in White, rapper Osvaldo Navarro, and journalist Camila Acosta, among others.
How did the Cuban government respond to increased international pressure?
The Cuban government intensified its repression, aiming to isolate dissidents and apply pressure on diplomats.