A recent broadcast on Cuban state television featured citizens parroting the government's official narrative following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro in Caracas during a United States military operation. This portrayal has ignited a wave of critical reactions from individuals both inside and outside of Cuba.
Shared on Facebook by journalist Mario J. Pentón, the footage shows several interviewees expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan regime while condemning the U.S. operation. One man expresses deep sympathy for the Venezuelan people and the many Cubans residing there, while a woman describes Cuba and Venezuela as "brother countries" that have supported each other, notably in public health.
Another participant characterizes the news as "harsh" and explicitly denounces the "U.S. aggression against Venezuela." These statements are juxtaposed with archival footage of Nicolás Maduro making rhetorical challenges, alongside a clip showing DEA agents escorting him upon his arrival in New York.
The video ends with confrontational slogans, including an appearance by Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, who labels "imperialism" as genocidal and fascist. Some interviewees declare they're "ready to go there for whatever it takes" in defense of the Venezuelan leader.
The release of this video triggered a flood of critical comments, with many questioning whether these views truly represent the Cuban people. Critics pointed to fear, indoctrination, and political pressure as underlying reasons for the parroting of official lines.
Several observers noted that the interviewees are "reciting a learned script" without personal reasoning, suggesting they speak this way to avoid trouble with authorities. Others highlighted the contradiction of defending allied regimes while living amid scarcity, power outages, and reliance on remittances.
Additionally, it was pointed out that a significant portion of the Cuban population, especially those without internet access or alternative information sources, are exposed solely to state propaganda, which limits their critical thinking abilities.
In contrast, some users recalled the protests on July 11 and the subsequent repression, emphasizing that silence or repetition of the official discourse is not necessarily out of conviction but rather a survival strategy in a context of control and punishment.
Before his arrest, Maduro had a moment that now holds new meaning. In one of his final statements as president, he directly challenged the forces that now detain him. "Come for me, I'm waiting for you in Miraflores, don't take long, cowards," he declared, initially addressing his political foes from the presidential palace in Caracas—a challenge Washington later used ironically upon announcing his capture.
Maduro arrived on the night of January 3 at the DEA offices in New York, having been transported by U.S. forces from Stewart Air Base in New York state. A widely circulated video showed him disembarking the plane in custody, walking handcuffed and escorted by federal officers, murmuring, "I'm famous, famous..." and then, at the DEA headquarters, wishing agents a "Happy New Year" amid tight security.
His arrest has set the stage for a judicial process in which he will face federal charges related to drug trafficking and conspiracy, a case that could become a historic turning point in Washington-Caracas relations.
Key Questions on Maduro's Arrest and Cuban Reactions
What sparked the backlash on social media regarding the Cuban TV broadcast?
The backlash was sparked by the portrayal of Cubans on state television repeating the government's official stance on Maduro's arrest, which many viewers criticized as lacking genuine personal opinion and being driven by political pressure and indoctrination.
How did Nicolás Maduro respond prior to his arrest?
Before his arrest, Maduro issued a direct challenge to his political adversaries, daring them to confront him at Miraflores Palace. This statement was later used ironically by Washington after his capture was announced.
What are the charges Nicolás Maduro is facing?
Nicolás Maduro is facing federal charges related to drug trafficking and conspiracy, marking a potentially historic moment in U.S.-Venezuela relations.