The Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, has criticized individuals in Florida for what he describes as the "compulsive" sharing of posts from the U.S. Embassy in Cuba's Facebook account. He accuses them of attempting to "impose narratives" against the Cuban government. Through his official account on X, Rodríguez claimed that the interactions with the Facebook page of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Havana are anything but spontaneous.
"We can prove this is a propaganda and amplification operation. Users from Florida compulsively replicate the content to impose narratives against the Cuban government," the minister wrote. However, the absence of concrete evidence and the accusatory tone drew ridicule and criticism on social media.
Many users pointed out the absurdity of a top diplomat dedicating time and state resources to scrutinize shares and comments on social media. "Is the Foreign Minister seriously analyzing who shares the posts of an Embassy? The level of ridiculousness you're reaching is unprecedented," one netizen questioned.
Other comments highlighted the contrast between the government's concern over external narratives and the suppression of expression within Cuba. "The interesting thing isn't that people from Florida share critical content; it's that millions inside Cuba would do the same if they weren't censored, monitored, or imprisoned," one user noted.
In her opinion, "talking about amplification as if it were a crime reveals how much they fear public opinion when it's not under state control." She concluded: "And if the government's arguments were so solid, why worry so much about Facebook comments? The narrative that bothers them isn't imposed from outside; it's generated from within... and you've been ignoring it for decades."
Similar criticisms pointed to the implausibility of the accusation, the lack of official self-reflection, and the disinterest in addressing the real issues facing Cubans. "My God, you can't even handle ten tweets, focus on solving real problems and stop wasting time checking who browses the Embassy's profile," another internet user commented.
The minister's post was seen as another attempt to divert attention from internal discontent. Far from amplifying his message, social networks turned it into an object of irony, clearly indicating that the narrative troubling those in power doesn't come from outside but from a citizenry tired of being silenced.
Recently, the Cuban government prevented a singer invited to perform the national anthem from attending the reception for the U.S. Independence Day in Havana on July 4. Additionally, a new wave of repression was unleashed to prevent journalists, activists, and political opponents from participating in the event organized by the U.S. Embassy.
According to reports from dissidents and human rights organizations, the measures included house arrests, arbitrary detentions, and police operations in various provinces to isolate the opposition and hinder any contact with U.S. diplomats.
In recent weeks, supposed "spontaneous" citizens have confronted the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Cuba, Mike Hammer. What the regime tries to present as casual scenes are, in fact, crudely orchestrated episodes. Since taking over as head of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Havana in November 2024, Hammer has been the target of an increasing harassment campaign by the Cuban regime.
His policy of direct contact with citizens, human rights defenders, activists, and religious leaders has visibly unsettled the authorities. In recent weeks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) has publicly attacked Hammer, accusing him of "provocative conduct," "interference," and "violations of the Vienna Convention."
Johana Tablada de la Torre, the Deputy Director-General for the U.S. at MINREX, even publicly warned him not to "confuse patience with weakness," in a veiled threat widely disseminated in state media. On May 30, the regime summoned Hammer to deliver a Verbal Note of protest, blaming him for inciting "criminal actions" in Cuba. Two days later, the U.S. State Department responded by summoning the Cuban ambassador in Washington, rejecting the harassment against its diplomats.
Simultaneously, official media like Cubadebate, Granma, and numerous social media profiles controlled by State Security have intensified their discredit campaign against Hammer, attempting to portray him as an instigator of disturbances and part of an alleged destabilization plan.
Understanding the Cuban Government's Concerns
Why is the Cuban government worried about Facebook shares?
The Cuban government is concerned that the sharing of posts from the U.S. Embassy's Facebook page is part of a propaganda operation designed to impose narratives against the Cuban regime.
What actions has the Cuban government taken against Mike Hammer?
The Cuban government has accused Mike Hammer of "provocative conduct" and "interference," and has publicly attacked him through state media, attempting to discredit his efforts as part of a destabilization plan.
How has the U.S. responded to Cuba's actions?
The U.S. State Department responded to Cuba's harassment by summoning the Cuban ambassador in Washington and rejecting the accusations against its diplomats.