Once again, the Cuban government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, has reiterated its commitment to suppress any critical expression, whether online or in public spaces, under the guise of defending the nation from what it deems "hatred" and "ignorance." On Sunday, July 13, just two days before the fourth anniversary of the July 11 protests, Cuba's official presidential account on X shared a notable quote from the leader. "In the networks and on the streets, wherever hatred or ignorance attempt to denigrate, humiliate, or attack Cuba, we must confront the haters and the ignorant to defend the homeland as we would defend our mothers."
This message, shared amidst the collective memory of the July 11 events, inevitably brings to mind the infamous "combat order" Díaz-Canel issued in 2021, which signaled the beginning of widespread repression against peaceful demonstrators across the island. The phrase is part of a speech delivered during the closing of the 10th Plenary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) on July 5 at the Palace of the Revolution. There, Díaz-Canel outlined an ideologically charged agenda, emphasizing the need to reinforce political, media, and social control as a national priority.
During his speech, the leader equated both internal and external criticism with enemy actions, perpetuating the tired narrative that Cuba is a nation under "permanent war," referring to a "bombardment" of "hatred," "disinformation," and "subversion" allegedly instigated by the United States and its allies, which he claimed must be countered from an ideological standpoint. "We are a country at war. Cuba has lived and resisted for more than 60 years under warlike conditions. Every day, around us, the bombs of economic warfare fall... and the bombs of disinformation, distortion, and hatred," he asserted.
The speech dedicated several sections to bolstering ideological efforts, monitoring grassroots organizations, maintaining popular control, engaging youth in defending socialism, and improving "political communication" to counter what he described as "slander, apathy, and hatred" prevalent on digital platforms. Díaz-Canel emphasized that communication cannot be neutral but must serve as a tool to defend the regime: "The much-discussed political communication... requires more clarity, forcefulness, more appealing methods... to confront the slander, the colonizing, interventionist, sordid discourse of the empire's spokespersons, the neoliberals, the mercenaries, the cowards."
In this context, the call to "confront" critics, even likening the defense of the homeland to the defense of mothers, was interpreted as an indirect threat against citizens, activists, and independent journalists who express dissent. This occurs while many of those arrested during the massive July 11 protests remain imprisoned, facing charges of contempt, public disorder, sedition, or other offenses amidst a judicial crackdown on opposition activism, independent journalism, and citizen criticism.
Since 2021, the state apparatus has increased its presence on social media with cyber troops, smear campaigns, and increasingly aggressive rhetoric against any narrative that deviates from the official line. The dissemination of the phrase, just two days before the protest anniversary, appears to be part of an effort to reinforce a confrontational discourse, enhance digital surveillance, and deter expressions of protest in a context of growing public discontent.
In the same vein, on Friday, July 11, Díaz-Canel wrote on his X account, "Cuba stands firm because we are a people who know how to fight; because we have the spirit of the maroons and mambises; because we are children of a Revolution made with intelligence and courage," reaffirming his narrative of resistance and combat as a response to the increasing popular dissatisfaction.
Similarly, last June, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz urged defending the regime he represents every day on social media, despite the reality of power outages and limited internet access experienced by Cubans. "On World Social Media Day, we reiterate President Díaz-Canel's call to make a daily vindication of Cuba. Let these platforms be a space to share our truth, to add and build," Marrero stated on X.
Understanding Cuba's Political Climate and Social Media Influence
What is the significance of the July 11 protests in Cuba?
The July 11 protests, also known as 11J, mark a significant event in Cuba where thousands of citizens took to the streets demanding freedom and better living conditions. It was one of the largest demonstrations against the Cuban government in recent history, drawing attention to issues like economic hardship and political repression.
How has the Cuban government responded to criticism on social media?
The Cuban government has increased its efforts to control and suppress criticism on social media by deploying cyber troops, executing smear campaigns, and maintaining an aggressive stance against narratives that oppose the official government line. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reinforce political control and prevent dissent.