The Cuban government's crackdown on members of the Catholic Church reappeared this past Friday as priests Alberto Reyes and Castor José Álvarez Devesa were summoned by State Security in Camagüey.
This summons highlights a recurring pattern of pressure on religious figures who advocate for human rights and freedom of expression on the island.
In a Facebook post, journalist Eugenia Gutiérrez revealed that both priests were summoned without a stated reason. "We are on standby, awaiting further updates," she noted.
Meanwhile, writer Osvaldo Gallardo González detailed in another post that the priests would be questioned separately. "Father Castor is currently being interrogated. Father Alberto will be questioned at 5:00 pm," he explained.
Father Castor José Álvarez Devesa, known simply as Father Castor, has become a thorn in the side of the Cuban regime. During the July 11, 2021 protests, he was detained and beaten by police for protecting a young 14-year-old protester.
Antonio Rodiles, leader of the independent organization Estado de Sats, has emphasized Castor's commitment to supporting his community and defending Cuba's freedom through love and truth. "He believes that ignoring the people's suffering contradicts the Church's mission," Rodiles stated.
The priest has consistently spoken out against state oppression and has advocated for free elections. In 2018, he traveled to the Vatican with other priests to deliver a letter advocating for democratic freedoms in Cuba, including the demand for free elections.
On the other hand, Father Alberto Reyes Pías, a parish priest in Esmeralda, Camagüey, has steadfastly defended the dignity and rights of the Cuban people. His commitment was evident in his symbolic initiative announced in May 2024, to ring his church bells 30 times each night during blackouts as a protest against the energy crisis affecting the population.
Through his regular Facebook column "He estado pensando" (I've Been Thinking), he highlights the hardships and the government's lack of solutions to the people's misery.
These summonses demonstrate a systematic pattern of harassment by the regime against religious leaders who exercise their right to voice legitimate criticisms and denounce injustices.
The pressure on church members not only undermines religious freedom but also aims to silence any voices articulating democratic demands in society.
The arbitrary summoning of two well-known and respected priests underscores the government's intolerance toward dissent within the Church, a historic refuge for social denunciation and the defense of fundamental rights.
This situation has alarmed the faithful and the international community, highlighting the tension between faith and state repression on the island.
Understanding the Cuban Government's Actions Against Religious Leaders
Why were the priests Alberto Reyes and Castor Álvarez summoned by State Security?
The priests were summoned as part of a pattern of pressure on religious figures who advocate for human rights and freedom of expression in Cuba. The government did not provide a stated reason for the summons.
What actions have Father Castor and Father Alberto taken against the Cuban regime?
Father Castor has been vocal against state oppression and was detained during protests for protecting a young protester. Father Alberto has protested the energy crisis and regularly highlights government shortcomings in his Facebook column.
How has the international community reacted to the summoning of these priests?
The situation has raised alarm among the faithful and the international community, emphasizing the tension between religious freedom and state repression in Cuba.