Ania Gómez Leiva, mother of Cuban doctor Erlis Sierra Yau, was taken into custody after she released a video demanding her son's freedom. Independent Cuban journalist José Luis Tan Estrada, based in Mexico, shared on Facebook, "Ania Gómez Leiva has just been arrested after posting a video calling for justice for her son Erlis Sierra, who was detained during the Baire protests."
In a message shared on journalist Yosmany Mayeta's account, Gómez Leiva recounted the circumstances surrounding her son's arrest and pleaded for help from the Cuban people. "I am the mother of doctor Erlis Sierra Gómez. This morning, two PNR agents arrived at my home. They came to take him without a summons, claiming they just wanted to have a conversation with him at the Contramaestre unit," she stated in the video, which ultimately led to her own arrest.
Arrest Details and Community Support
Dr. Sierra, a pediatrician and father of two, was taken to the police operations center in Santiago de Cuba. His mother described how she accompanied him, believing he was merely going to be questioned. "Shortly after, a young man who knows him, known both here and in Contramaestre as a doctor who helps the people, told us they had taken my son out the back door, handcuffed, along with another protester," she explained.
The distraught mother reached out to the First Secretary of the local Party, emphasizing that her son had not engaged in any violence but only sought to speak out. "My son did not bang pots or harm anyone; he simply asked for solutions for the people," she declared, visibly upset.
Impact of Baire Protests
Sierra became a prominent figure in the peaceful demonstrations in Baire after a video circulated in which he urged local authorities to address the shortages of water, food, and essential services, reminding them of the Cuban Constitution's recognition of free speech. "I am not afraid to go there because the Constitution grants me freedom of expression," he stated during an exchange with municipal leaders.
The protests in Baire, part of the Contramaestre municipality, have been among the most significant in Santiago de Cuba since July 2021. On Thursday night, residents banged pots and shouted "Freedom!" and "Down with Díaz-Canel!" during a blackout lasting over 30 hours. The regime responded by cutting off Internet access and deploying police forces to quell the demonstrations.
Calls for Immediate Release
Besides Sierra, other detained individuals include Osmani Heredia and Humberto Nieto Sierra, the latter being a nurse at the Orlando Pantoja Tamayo Hospital. Activists and residents report a "witch hunt" against protesters, involving summonses, threats, and surveillance in the most active neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, the hashtag #FreeErlisSierra is gaining traction on social media, with messages of support from both inside and outside the island. Users and human rights organizations are demanding his immediate release and an end to the repression against peaceful protesters in Baire. As of now, Cuban authorities have not provided official information on Erlis Sierra's whereabouts or the charges against him.
Key Questions About the Baire Protests
Who is Erlis Sierra Yau?
Erlis Sierra Yau is a Cuban doctor and a prominent figure in the Baire protests, advocating for solutions to local shortages and exercising his right to free speech as recognized by the Cuban Constitution.
What sparked the protests in Baire?
The Baire protests were sparked by long-standing shortages of water, food, and essential services, exacerbated by prolonged power outages and the government's lack of response.
How has the Cuban government responded to the protests?
The Cuban government has responded to the protests by cutting off Internet access, deploying police forces, and reportedly engaging in a "witch hunt" against protesters involving threats and surveillance.