Former Cuban political prisoner Ángel Moya Acosta publicly called out two State Security agents on Sunday, who were reportedly surveilling the headquarters of the opposition group Ladies in White located in the Lawton neighborhood of Havana. Moya, along with his wife Berta Soler Fernández—the leader of the movement—remained confined to their home on that day, identifying these agents as part of a repressive group colloquially known as the "Metetrancas," responsible for violently arresting peaceful dissidents.
Among those identified by Moya is a repressor nicknamed "Cara Prieta," whom he associates with past acts of violence against activists. "About five or six years ago, this person violently arrested me during one of the Ladies in White's Sunday marches. To silence my protest, he covered my mouth and bit my right ear," Moya recounted.
Moya recently recognized "Cara Prieta" in photos captured during a surveillance operation targeting a masonic lodge on Carlos III Avenue in Havana, amidst the ousting of a masonic leader, which Moya attributes to the regime's control over such institutions.
In his statement, Moya emphasized that neither he nor Berta Soler left the movement's headquarters on Sunday to exercise their right to protest or participate in religious activities, as they usually do each week. "We didn't go out today, but we continue to denounce repression and demand the freedom of all Cuban political prisoners," he declared.
House Arrest Following Diplomatic Encounter
Back in April, Moya and Soler were placed under house arrest for 48 days after attending a church service with the U.S. Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires in Havana, Mike Hammer. "They detained us in public, claiming we were under investigation for threatening the established constitutional order," Moya stated at the time. Both were taken to police stations, detained for over 24 hours before being released under precautionary measures.
During this period, their phones were confiscated, and the organization's headquarters was cut off from internet access, completely surrounded by regime agents.
Key Questions on Cuban Political Repression
Who are the Ladies in White?
The Ladies in White is a Cuban opposition movement made up of wives and other female relatives of jailed dissidents. They advocate for the release of political prisoners and frequently organize peaceful protests.
What is the significance of the nickname "Metetrancas"?
"Metetrancas" is a colloquial term used in Cuba to describe a group of State Security agents known for their violent tactics against peaceful opposition activists.
What led to Moya and Soler's house arrest?
Ángel Moya and Berta Soler were placed under house arrest following their participation in a church service with the U.S. Embassy's Chargé d'Affaires in Havana, which the regime perceived as a threat to the constitutional order.