Miami-based jeweler, Wilian Díaz, stirred controversy by suggesting in a social media video that Cubans on the island should adhere to local laws to avoid imprisonment. Díaz, known for his active online presence, shared his views while critiquing influencer Alexander Otaola's call for a halt on sending aid to Cuba from the U.S. Otaola believes that ceasing remittances would pressure the Cuban government by depriving it of resources.
"Otaola, my friend, is advocating for a complete stop... urging people not to send anything to their families, not even phone credit, food, or any support, hoping this will force them to take to the streets against the government," Díaz stated in a TikTok video. "If you live in the U.S., you follow the laws here; the same goes for Cuba. You must abide by their laws," he added.
The Impact of Past Protests
Recalling the events of July 11, Díaz argued that such protests only lead to violence and sorrow, with countless mothers still suffering as their children remain imprisoned. "What Otaola is pushing for is another July 11 scenario, where people get beaten, jailed, leaving mothers in anguish," Díaz remarked. Instead, he prefers to gather signatures for other causes, such as legalizing Cubans with I220-A status in the U.S.
"Wilian is calling for support in collecting signatures to help legalize those with I220-A status, who entered the country legally but now face challenges to regularize their stay," he noted.
Family Comes First
In the concluding part of his video, Díaz emphasized prioritizing family over politics, stating, "It doesn't matter who sells the chicken, what matters is that your mother and family can buy it." Many of his TikTok followers supported this family-first approach, contrasting sharply with reactions on the Instagram account Cubanos por el Mundo, which harshly critiqued Díaz's stance.
Cubanos por el Mundo dismantled the notion that laws inherently equate to justice, arguing that in authoritarian regimes, legality often cloaks oppression. "Saying 'respect the laws in Cuba' echoes the script of dictatorships that use legality to justify brutality," the publication asserted, comparing Cuba's legal system to historic injustices like slavery and apartheid.
The response emphasized that true justice is not determined by a dictator's written code but by upholding human dignity and freedom. Numerous online commentators echoed this sentiment, criticizing Díaz's perspective.
Ongoing Backlash and Defense
The situation further escalated when Eliécer Ávila addressed Díaz's comments on his YouTube program, sparking a back-and-forth exchange. Díaz has since responded to both Ávila and Otaola, as well as others threatening to boycott his business. In recent videos, Díaz continues to advocate for family support in Cuba, though he has avoided revisiting the more contentious elements of his initial message.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wilian Díaz's Stance
Why does Wilian Díaz advise against protests in Cuba?
Wilian Díaz advises against protests in Cuba to prevent individuals from facing imprisonment and violence, as seen in past events like those on July 11.
What alternative does Díaz propose to protesting?
Díaz suggests focusing on gathering signatures for causes like legalizing Cubans with I220-A status in the U.S. rather than protesting.
How did Cubanos por el Mundo react to Díaz's comments?
Cubanos por el Mundo criticized Díaz's comments, arguing that legality does not ensure justice and often supports oppression in authoritarian regimes.
What has been the public's response to Díaz's video?
The public's response has been mixed; while Díaz received support on TikTok, he faced significant backlash on platforms like Instagram.