Despite the passage of time, images commemorating the events of July 11th continue to surface globally. Recently, a video emerged showing a peaceful demonstration in front of the Cuban consulate in San José, Costa Rica, where a group of exiles faced verbal harassment from regime supporters. These individuals, reportedly mobilized by diplomatic officials, clashed with the protesters.
During the heated exchange, a woman shared the tragic story of losing her daughter in Cuba. "Do you know what it's like to have your child killed? They just killed my daughter in Cuba!" she shouted in anguish, as regime supporters attempted to drown her out with chants of "Revolution means social change!" This moment, captured on video, was shared widely by activists on social media.
Commemorating the July 11th Protests
The demonstrators, members of the Free Cubans in Costa Rica group, were marking the fourth anniversary of the July 11th uprising, the largest civic protest in Cuba this century. They chanted slogans like "Homeland and Life!" and demanded the release of political prisoners. The presence of a pro-regime crowd created a hostile environment that escalated into verbal confrontations, filled with accusations and shouts of "Murderers!" and "Down with the dictatorship!"
Global Solidarity and Demands for Freedom
This incident was not isolated. In Madrid, Cuban exiles gathered in the city center, advocating for democracy and freedom for the island. They carried flags, banners, and a large cloth over 15 meters long, inscribed with the names of more than a thousand political prisoners still detained for expressing their ideas or protesting peacefully.
Activist Avana De La Torre delivered a poignant speech, emphasizing the need to persist in their quest for freedom. She condemned the regime's legacy: "Without hospitals, without roads, without food, without medicine. The leadership squanders everything and misuses the people's money."
Similar gatherings took place in Miami and Washington to remember July 11th and demand sanctions against those responsible for repression. The U.S. Department of State announced new measures against Miguel Díaz-Canel and his family, including visa bans and the listing of 11 regime-linked properties as restricted assets.
The Ongoing Fight for Justice
The fourth anniversary of July 11th once again united the Cuban diaspora in a collective cry for justice. The image of a grieving mother at the consulate in Costa Rica, or activists in Madrid raising flags with the names of the imprisoned, reflects an ongoing struggle that remains unresolved.
"For over 66 years, Cuba's history has been one of hunger and repression," summarized Avana. This pain, far from being silenced, is amplified in the streets of exile today.
Key Questions About the Cuban Protests and Global Response
What prompted the protests in Costa Rica?
The protests in Costa Rica were organized by exiled Cubans to commemorate the July 11th uprising in Cuba and to demand the release of political prisoners.
How did regime supporters respond to the protests?
Regime supporters, reportedly mobilized by diplomatic officials, verbally harassed the protesters, leading to a tense and hostile exchange.
What measures has the U.S. taken against the Cuban regime?
The U.S. Department of State has imposed new sanctions on Miguel Díaz-Canel and his family, including visa bans and the restriction of certain regime-linked properties.