Early Friday morning, authorities detained young members associated with the El 4tico project in Holguín, according to a report from the platform Ciudadanía y Libertad on social media platform X. The operation took place between 6 and 7 a.m.
The organization identified the detainees as Ernesto Ricardo Medina and Kamil Zayas Pérez. They were reportedly taken to the provincial Penal Instruction headquarters, infamously known as "Todo el mundo canta."
According to Ciudadanía y Libertad, this facility is notorious for repeated allegations of torture, violent interrogations, and degrading treatment, earning it the nickname "the Villa Marista of Holguín."
During the raid, agents confiscated computers, phones, cameras, and work equipment used by the young individuals to document and record their activities, as per the same report.
The complaint also highlighted that Doris Santiesteban Batista and the couple's young daughter were left in a state of "absolute vulnerability" following the operation.
Ciudadanía y Libertad emphasized that such actions are far from normal legal procedures. Instead, they are part of a pattern of "punishment, intimidation, and silencing" against young individuals exercising their right to express and create independently.
The platform called upon Cuban civil society, the diaspora, and international human rights organizations to "raise awareness of the case" and demand protection for the physical and legal safety of the detainees.
Cuban activist Amelia Calzadilla had previously condemned the repressive actions against the youths linked to this independent project, following a police visit to the premises where they produce and share their content. Calzadilla sounded the alarm through a video posted on social media.
The El 4tico project shared the video on its social media accounts, receiving solidarity from numerous Cuban activists. In the footage, an officer is heard stating, "You have a search warrant. You must open and allow us entry."
The operation involved at least four officers, one of whom presented a document purportedly authorizing the search to the activist.
Known for its socio-political analysis and critique of Cuban realities, El 4tico has gained recognition on social media for dismantling official narratives with communication strategies and historical context.
Amid a nation plagued by power outages, rampant inflation, mass migration, and growing social discontent, initiatives like this reignite discussions on freedom of expression and creation in Cuba.
Understanding the Arrest of El 4tico Members in Holguín
Who are Ernesto Ricardo Medina and Kamil Zayas Pérez?
Ernesto Ricardo Medina and Kamil Zayas Pérez are young members associated with the El 4tico project, known for their socio-political analysis and critique in Cuba.
What is the significance of "Todo el mundo canta" in Holguín?
"Todo el mundo canta" is the provincial Penal Instruction headquarters in Holguín, notorious for allegations of torture, violent interrogations, and degrading treatment.
What equipment was seized during the raid?
Authorities confiscated computers, phones, cameras, and other work equipment used by the El 4tico project to document and record their activities.