A young Cuban named Yurisnel Domenech Atencio, living in the town of Media Luna in Granma province, found himself under threat from State Security agents after he took to social media to highlight the dire conditions facing pregnant women at the local hospital.
Domenech reported that he was summoned and interrogated by an unidentified man in plain clothes, who showed no interest in addressing the issues raised about the hospital's treatment of expectant mothers.
Despite the lack of any incitement in his video, he was accused of "instigating violence," according to a statement he provided to CiberCuba.
In the video, Domenech emphasized his role as a "civic axis with the right to think and express myself freely." He clarified, "I am not affiliated with any political party or group, and no one pays me. Everything I do is out of conviction because I believe that raising my voice for justice or against wrongdoing is no crime."
However, he lamented that authorities didn’t see it that way. "They threatened me constantly, issued a warning letter, and the official was never interested in clarifying my complaint about the pregnant women," he said.
A few days ago, Domenech shared a video on Facebook detailing how his wife and 14 other pregnant women had been waiting over two weeks for diagnostic tests—like ultrasounds—due to a fuel shortage preventing the hospital's power generator from operating.
According to him, while these women remained without medical attention, fuel was suddenly available to transport trucks full of people to a political rally in the nearby town of Cinco Palmas, also in Granma.
Shortly after his public allegations, Domenech was summoned by agents from the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) for questioning and threats.
Residents of Media Luna have expressed concern for his and his family's safety, given the Cuban state's history of retaliating against citizens who publicly criticize state institutions for abuse or negligence, as our newsroom has been informed.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned the harassment of Cubans who expose public service inefficiencies or government corruption.
Cases like that of Yurisnel Domenech illustrate the regime's fear that local grievances could go viral, exposing the deterioration of the country's healthcare system.
Concerns Around Freedom of Expression and Government Retaliation in Cuba
What led to Yurisnel Domenech being threatened by state security?
Yurisnel Domenech was threatened by state security after he publicly denounced the poor conditions for pregnant women in a local hospital, which he shared on social media.
How did the authorities respond to Domenech's video?
Authorities accused Domenech of "instigating violence," despite no such call being made in his video. He was subjected to interrogation and threats.
What impact does Domenech's case have on public perception of the regime?
Domenech's case highlights the regime's fear of local grievances reaching a wider audience and revealing the failing healthcare system, leading to further criticism of the government's management.