Alina Bárbara López Hernández, a well-known academic and opposition activist, recently exposed an attempt to incite a public backlash after two women tried to remove a sign from her home. This sign, demanding the release of political prisoners, remains firmly in place despite the attempted intimidation, López Hernández affirmed.
She recounted an incident that occurred on Saturday, involving a certain Josefa Fernández, a retired officer from the Ministry of the Interior. Fernández, who lives several blocks away, approached López Hernández's home in a disrespectful manner. Although dressed in civilian clothes, Fernández lacked both education and valid arguments as she questioned the sign, which she dismissed as "nonsense." The retiree was accompanied by a young woman who appeared anxious to hide her face and consistently turned her back, indicating a lack of commitment to the so-called "revolutionary" action they were undertaking.
Expressing her viewpoint with a touch of irony, López Hernández commented that acts of public denunciation aren't what they used to be. "The envoys of power are now emaciated elders, painting a bleak picture of overall decline," she noted. She emphasized her inability to challenge her neighbors' political expressions, remarking, "If any neighbor were to display a sign supporting Díaz-Canel—which, incidentally, I have never seen—I wouldn't question it. However, I refuse to tolerate anyone insulting me for my opinions or getting upset over a sign on my property."
López Hernández, a respected intellectual, has also highlighted the increased police activity leading up to the anniversary of the July 11 protests. She currently faces prosecution by the Cuban government, which seeks a four-year sentence of corrective labor without imprisonment. Charged with contempt, disobedience, and assault, her arrest on June 18, 2024, occurred as she and fellow activist Jenny Victoria Pantoja Torres were en route to Havana for a peaceful demonstration, only to be intercepted by police in Matanzas.
She has condemned the creation of a fabricated case against her, pointing out that both she and Pantoja suffered police brutality that led to documented physical injuries, which were disregarded in the proceedings.
Understanding Alina Bárbara López Hernández's Struggle
What was the sign about that Alina Bárbara López Hernández displayed?
The sign called for the release of political prisoners in Cuba.
Who attempted to remove the sign from López Hernández's home?
A retired Ministry of the Interior officer named Josefa Fernández, accompanied by a young woman, attempted to remove the sign.
What charges is Alina Bárbara López Hernández facing?
She is facing charges of contempt, disobedience, and assault, with the government seeking a four-year corrective labor sentence without imprisonment.