The U.S. Embassy in Cuba has publicly condemned a recent surge in harassment against Cuban citizens who attempted to meet with the American Chief of Mission, Mike Hammer.
According to the embassy's social media reports, several individuals were either detained or intimidated by authorities just moments before the diplomat's anticipated arrival at their homes. This was described as a calculated effort to prevent any direct interaction with the local populace.
In a Facebook post, the embassy detailed an incident in Puerto Padre, Las Tunas. "I intended to visit Vladimir Martín, but he was detained shortly before we reached his residence. Why? At least he was released after we left. This happened to several others who wanted to meet with me," Hammer remarked.
Nonetheless, Hammer emphasized his commitment to visiting wherever he is invited, stating, "A diplomat's job is to understand the reality of the country they are assigned to and report back to our capital."
Accompanying the statement was a video depicting Hammer arriving at a home where he planned to meet the family. He introduced himself, inquired about the homeowners, and spoke with a child who relayed a message from his parents, stating they had been detained. Hammer expressed his regret over the situation and asked the child to convey his greetings and wish to have met them.
Opposition activists confirmed the incident. José Daniel Ferrer reported that Vladimir Martín Castellanos and his wife, Iliana Marrero, were detained to prevent their meeting with the diplomat in Puerto Padre.
Vladimir Martín, a member of UNPACU in the area, shared in a video that they had been under surveillance by political police hours before. Officers came to their home, warning them that if the ambassador headed toward Puerto Padre, they would be arrested.
Eventually, at approximately 11:30 am, both were taken into custody and transported to a location known as El Cayo, where they remained until nearly 5:00 pm. After being freed, Martín reiterated his invitation to the diplomat, assuring that his home would always be open to him.
Ferrer also reported the detention of Ezequiel Morales Carmenatti and continued threats and surveillance on Taimir García Meriño, a former political prisoner. "The tyranny does not want peaceful opponents and the general public to meet with the U.S. ambassador, Mike Hammer," he declared.
"The regime's political police have orchestrated more than 5 or 6 acts of repudiation against this supportive American diplomat, who is well-loved and respected by the Cuban people, human rights defenders, and the families of political prisoners," Ferrer asserted.
Ferrer shared a video of Ezequiel Morales's detention in Las Tunas, where State Security took him away in front of his wife and granddaughter without explanation. After his release, Ezequiel stated that he welcomes anyone to his home and reiterated that Mike Hammer is always welcome.
This pattern of detentions, surveillance, and threats demonstrates the regime's fear of any direct contact between a foreign diplomat and the citizenry.
For Washington, the message remains clear: despite the pressure, Hammer will continue traveling across the country, meeting with Cubans to gain firsthand insight into their situation.
On Monday, the diplomat met in Camagüey with Monsignor Wilfredo Pino Estevez, the bishop of that diocese. The embassy highlighted that the regime's organized acts of repudiation will not hinder their meetings with concerned Cubans about the nation's crisis and emphasized the Church's role in supporting the population.
That same day, Hammer shared a symbolic video from the bell tower of the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, delivering a message of hope amidst the tense political climate.
However, the previous weekend witnessed at least three acts of repudiation against the diplomat in Trinidad and Camagüey, with mobs mobilized to harass him upon arrival.
The series of detentions targeting citizens who merely intended to host a foreign representative underscores an image of a state resorting to control and intimidation to isolate the populace and stifle any free exchange of ideas.
In contrast, Hammer's stance—to continue visiting those who extend invitations—has been perceived as a gesture of support to ordinary Cubans and their right to speak freely without fear.
Understanding Diplomatic Engagements in Cuba
Why are Cuban citizens being detained for inviting Mike Hammer?
Cuban citizens are being detained to prevent any direct interaction between them and the U.S. diplomat, Mike Hammer, as the regime seeks to control and limit foreign diplomatic influence.
What is the response of the U.S. Embassy to these detentions?
The U.S. Embassy has publicly condemned the detentions and emphasized that such actions will not deter their efforts to engage with the Cuban populace and understand their plight.
How has Mike Hammer been received by the Cuban people?
Mike Hammer is well-regarded by many Cubans, including human rights defenders and families of political prisoners, who appreciate his efforts to connect with the local community.