Cuban activist Arián Cruz Álvarez, widely recognized as Tata Poet, revealed on Thursday the arduous journey he undertook to leave Cuba after being under strict travel restrictions imposed by the State Security for several years. These restrictions included being denied a passport as a punitive measure for his activism. In September, Tata Poet departed Cuba to safeguard his life following prolonged persecution and threats.
In a heartfelt post on Facebook, the artist expressed gratitude for the support he received while lamenting his inability to bid farewell to many beloved individuals before his departure. "Apologies for the silence. My spirits have not been the best. I've read every comment and feel deeply honored and loved," he began, detailing for the first time his struggle to leave the country.
Back in 2018, Tata Poet secured a residency permit in Italy. However, from 2020 to 2023, he was placed under "regulation" by the State Security, which prohibited him from traveling and renewing his passport. "Every visit to immigration ended with the same words: you are regulated because you are a person of interest," he explained.
The activist accused officers Ariel Arnau Grillet, known as Luisito, and Joel Osmani Argüelles, alias Dennis, of enforcing these measures to coerce and silence his activism. "The interrogations always followed the same pattern: either you stay silent and leave, or we'll imprison you, yet as you're regulated, you can't leave either," he recalled.
Tata Poet revealed that he forfeited his Italian residency by refusing to bow to pressure, choosing instead to continue his fight against abuses, supporting families of political prisoners, and aiding vulnerable individuals. "I chose not to remain silent or stop supporting my fellow brothers," he declared.
Thanks to the intervention of a lawyer and numerous appeals to the Ministry of the Interior, the travel restriction was eventually lifted. Consequently, he managed to secure a one-year visa to Italy and is currently residing in Milan, although he admits facing economic hardships. "I am finally free from the clutches of those monsters," he wrote.
Concluding his message with a cry for freedom, he exclaimed, "Down with the dictatorship, damn it! Justice and freedom for all political prisoners!" Tata Poet, a prominent figure in Cuba's independent activism, had frequently spoken out against the State Security's harassment and the repercussions of his human rights advocacy.
In 2022, he was arrested following a protest over the detention of his partner, artist Rosmery Almeda Tapia, and in 2023, he reported physical assaults and threats.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tata Poet and Cuban Activism
What were the reasons for Tata Poet’s travel restrictions?
Tata Poet faced travel restrictions as a consequence of his activism, with the State Security citing him as a "person of interest" to justify denying him the freedom to leave the country.
How did Tata Poet manage to leave Cuba?
With the assistance of a lawyer and after filing several complaints to the Ministry of the Interior, Tata Poet was able to lift the travel restrictions and secure a one-year visa to Italy.
What has Tata Poet advocated for?
Tata Poet has been an outspoken advocate for human rights, supporting families of political prisoners and helping vulnerable individuals while condemning state abuses.