Raúl González, a noted opposition figure, publicly condemned the actions of members from the municipal structure of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) in Cienfuegos. These individuals allegedly engaged in a political provocation by painting "Viva Fidel" on a wall near his home. In a bold retort, González inscribed "the murderer" beneath the slogan.
Through several videos on his Facebook profile, González, who identifies as a former political prisoner and coordinator of the Citizen Consensus Movement, showcased his reaction to what he describes as a direct act of harassment. "My house is right next to it; the local CDR people came and provoked me," he stated in one of the recordings, gesturing towards the wall.
After authorities erased his initial response, González returned to the wall, adding a new message: "Viva Fidel... the dictator." He documented this act as well, sharing it with his followers and emphasizing that he will not allow the regime's intimidation tactics to go unanswered.
The videos have sparked a wave of supportive comments on social media. One user praised his courage: "You have guts that don't fit in your pants." Another offered advice on making his message stick: "It's hard to find beeswax, but a mix of burnt oil or tar diluted with beeswax as a paint base will make it unremovable with water-based paint or plaster. They'd have to tear down the wall," the commenter suggested.
Comments included a poignant quote: "When there are men with dignity, there is hope for a people under tyranny." González’s actions not only highlight the CDR's harassment but also serve as a symbolic act of civil resistance. Amid the regime's official idolization of Fidel Castro, González's straightforward and unambiguous message shatters the silence the government tries to enforce.
In July 2024, González broadcasted live as a police officer threatened him, demanding he accompany her to the police station without a warrant. This incident followed his video denouncing a health crisis in his neighborhood. A year earlier, he had exposed the lack of pain relief medication at the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima General University Hospital in Cienfuegos during his treatment for a cardiac condition.
González has also called for the freedom of political prisoners, the end of communism, and a halt to hunger and poverty in the country. While the Cuban regime attempted to celebrate July 26, a date of great significance, an anonymous message on the perimeter wall of School 70 in Santiago de Cuba posed a chilling question in giant red letters: "Blood or what?"—a stark reflection of the people's discontent.
Just a week earlier in the same city, a large sign declaring "DOWN WITH COMMUNISM," signed by the Anti-Communist Movement, appeared on a wall, prompting a swift crackdown by authorities.
Understanding the Resistance Against Cuban Regime
What prompted Raúl González's response to the "Viva Fidel" sign?
Raúl González responded to the "Viva Fidel" sign as it was seen as a political provocation and act of harassment by the local CDR, situated near his home.
How did González's actions impact the community?
González’s actions inspired a wave of support on social media and symbolized civil resistance against the regime's intimidation tactics.
What other actions has González taken against the Cuban regime?
González has consistently advocated for the freedom of political prisoners, denounced the lack of medical supplies, and called for the end of communism and poverty in Cuba.
What was the reaction to the "DOWN WITH COMMUNISM" sign in Santiago de Cuba?
The sign sparked a swift repressive response from the authorities, highlighting the tension and widespread dissatisfaction with the regime.