On Saturday, opposition activist Taimir García from Las Tunas reported that she was threatened by State Security with severe consequences if she welcomes U.S. diplomat Mike Hammer into her home.
"Today, I received a threat from State Security that if I host our friend, U.S. Ambassador Mike Hammer, at my home, I will face serious problems. The threats were immediate, and I am currently under surveillance and surrounded since early hours," García announced on Facebook. She is a former political prisoner who was released last May after serving five years for peacefully protesting against abuses by state inspectors in Las Tunas.
This Sunday, the U.S. government called on the Cuban regime to halt its interference with the diplomatic efforts of Mike Hammer, the Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Havana, following a recent public denunciation he faced in Camagüey.
U.S. Government's Response to Intimidation Tactics
"The illegitimate Cuban regime must immediately cease its repressive acts of sending individuals to interfere with the diplomatic work of Chargé d'Affaires Hammer and Embassy team members. Our diplomats will continue engaging with the Cuban people, despite the regime's unsuccessful intimidation tactics," stated the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs on X.
The confrontation took place on Saturday at the Hotel Santa María, located in Camagüey's Plaza del Gallo, where Hammer was accosted by a crowd mobilized by local authorities. The verbal assault occurred during a widespread blackout that plunged the city's historic center into darkness.
Verbal Assault and Public Outcry
Witnesses recorded the insults hurled at the diplomat, including "Trump's puppet," "imperialist," "murderer," and "get out of Camagüey." These videos were shared by journalist Mario J. Pentón and activists Irma Lidia Broek and José Raúl Gallego.
A similar incident happened just a day earlier in Trinidad, where Hammer was verbally attacked by a group upon leaving the Church of San Francisco de Paula after meeting with priest and activist José Conrado Rodríguez. Hammer remarked that those who insulted him "do not represent the Cuban people" and emphasized that his visit is aimed at understanding "ordinary Cubans and listening to their aspirations for a better Cuba."
The recent act of repudiation in Camagüey has reignited criticism of the Cuban regime's harassment tactics against dissidents, journalists, and now foreign diplomats.
Understanding the Diplomatic Tensions in Cuba
What are the consequences faced by Taimir García for hosting Mike Hammer?
Taimir García was threatened with severe repercussions by State Security, including being placed under surveillance and surrounded, if she hosts U.S. diplomat Mike Hammer.
How did the U.S. government respond to the harassment of Mike Hammer?
The U.S. government urged the Cuban regime to stop its interference with diplomatic activities and stated that their diplomats would continue to engage with the Cuban people despite the regime's intimidation tactics.
Where did the incidents involving Mike Hammer take place?
The incidents occurred at the Hotel Santa María in Camagüey and in the city of Trinidad, where Hammer faced verbal attacks by groups mobilized by local authorities.