Armando Labrador, a Cuban entrepreneur based in Miami and leader of the opposition movement Cuba Primero, has responded resolutely to his inclusion on a newly released list of alleged terrorists by the Cuban government, which was submitted to the United Nations. "If fighting for Cuba's freedom is terrorism, then put me on the list," he stated in an interview with journalist Mario J. Pentón from Martí Noticias.
The Cuban government recently updated its National List of Individuals and Entities Linked to Terrorism, adding 62 individuals and 20 organizations, including Cuba Primero, accused of promoting actions against state security. Labrador, visibly outraged yet composed, firmly rejected these accusations, saying, "I am not a terrorist. What we do is distribute proclamations, gather, and raise our voices. We don't plant bombs or kill anyone. We simply demand freedom for our people."
During the interview, Labrador disclosed that he has received direct threats, even against his family. "I've been called, they write to me, they say they know where my children, my siblings are... I've never made it public, but I take it seriously," he confessed. Despite this, he remains steadfast in his activism. "Here I am. Let them do what they want," he asserted.
Cuba Primero, established to coordinate civic resistance both inside and outside the island, has experienced severe repression. Labrador reported that several of its members are imprisoned for peaceful activities. "They are facing up to eight years for meeting in a house or for protesting. There are young women, just 22 years old, serving sentences over a decade long. Who are the real terrorists?" he questioned.
Labrador's involvement in this struggle is deeply personal, shaped by his family's history. "My grandfather was executed, my father is a political prisoner. I grew up with these stories. My family has often wanted me to detach from this history and forget about Cuba, but I can't," he explained.
He advocates for all Cubans to raise their voices. "I believe all Cubans should speak up for moral and ethical reasons. It's hard to see Cuba in its current state, which all Cubans acknowledge. Those who travel to Cuba are shocked by the living conditions. Without action, they remain bystanders and don't join this cause that we should all unite for, both inside and outside the island," he commented.
For him, July 11, 2021, was a turning point. "Seeing the people in the streets moved me. I felt I had to do more, raise my voice higher. And since then, I haven't stopped." The inclusion in this list, officially published by the Ministry of the Interior in the Official Gazette and shared with international bodies, is seen by many as an intimidation tactic ahead of the fourth anniversary of July 11, commemorated this Friday.
"They want to silence us with lists, threats, and prison. But we persist," said Labrador, highlighting the courage of political prisoners who continue to resist within the regime's jails. "We have brave men and women. Some have succumbed under torture, which is understandable. But I stand with those who remain steadfast, who tell me from prison: 'Long live Cuba Primero.' The admiration is for them, not for me," he affirmed.
Labrador criticized the regime's hypocrisy, recalling how it came to power through violence and has ruled through fear for over six decades. "Fidel Castro attacked barracks, planted bombs. He served three years of a sentence in privileged conditions. And today, they accuse us of terrorism for distributing a proclamation or holding a meeting at home."
The businessman, owner of the renowned cosmetic clinic My Cosmetic Surgery, assured that repression will intensify, but the fight will continue. "This will not stop. Cuba deserves to be a prosperous country again, as it was before 1959. A country without hatred, where people can live in peace."
Key Questions About Armando Labrador's Inclusion on Cuba's Terrorist List
Why was Armando Labrador included on the Cuban government's list of alleged terrorists?
Armando Labrador was included on the list due to his leadership in the opposition movement Cuba Primero, which the Cuban government accuses of promoting actions against state security.
What actions does Armando Labrador take that the Cuban government views as terrorism?
Labrador and his movement engage in activities such as distributing proclamations, organizing gatherings, and advocating for freedom, which they state are peaceful acts, unlike the violent actions traditionally associated with terrorism.
How has Armando Labrador responded to threats against him and his family?
Despite receiving threats, Labrador remains committed to his activism and has publicly stated that he will not back down from his efforts to advocate for Cuban freedom.