The United States government has called on the Cuban regime to halt its interference with the diplomatic efforts of Mike Hammer, the chargé d'affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Havana, following a recent incident of public harassment in Camagüey.
"The illegitimate Cuban regime must immediately stop its repressive actions of sending individuals to disrupt the diplomatic work of Chargé d'Affaires Hammer and the Embassy team members. Our diplomats will continue to engage with the Cuban people, despite the regime's failed intimidation tactics," stated the U.S. government's Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs on X.
The event took place on Saturday at the Santa María Hotel, situated in Camagüey's Plaza del Gallo, where Hammer was confronted by a crowd organized by local authorities.
The verbal assault occurred during a city-wide power outage that left the historic center in darkness.
Witnesses recorded the slurs directed at the diplomat, including "Trump's puppet," "imperialist," "murderer," and demands for him to "leave Camagüey."
These videos were shared by journalist Mario J. Pentón and activists Irma Lidia Broek and José Raúl Gallego.
A similar episode had taken place the previous day in Trinidad, where Hammer was insulted by a group as he exited the San Francisco de Paula Church after meeting with priest and activist José Conrado Rodríguez.
Hammer remarked that those hurling insults "do not represent the Cuban people" and emphasized that his visit aims to connect with "ordinary Cubans and listen to their aspirations for a better Cuba."
This latest act of repudiation in Camagüey has reignited criticism of the Cuban regime's harassment tactics against dissidents, journalists, and now foreign diplomats.
Understanding the Recent Tensions Between the U.S. and Cuba
What prompted the U.S. government's response regarding Mike Hammer?
The U.S. government responded due to a public harassment incident in Camagüey, where Mike Hammer was confronted by a crowd organized by local authorities, which was seen as interference with his diplomatic duties.
How has the Cuban regime reacted to U.S. diplomats in recent times?
The Cuban regime has been accused of using intimidation tactics against U.S. diplomats, including organizing crowds to verbally assault and disrupt their activities, as seen in the recent events involving Mike Hammer.