Cuban singer Haydée Milanés has condemned the arrest of the young content creators known as El4tico, labeling it as "another proof of the horror" perpetuated by the Cuban regime.
"Yesterday, these two young Cubans were detained simply for expressing their thoughts. Let the world know that in #Cuba, different opinions are cruelly punished. This is not new; it is yet another evidence of the horror we Cubans endure. Below is the message left by Kamil, anticipating this detention," Milanés expressed on Facebook.
The artist referred to a letter written by activist Kamil Zayas Pérez, a member of the independent project, who was arrested on Friday in Holguín along with Ernesto Ricardo Medina during a police operation.
Prophetic Insight into Cuban Oppression
In his statement, circulated by activists and dated January 2026, Kamil calmly forewarned: "If you are watching or reading this, it is because they finally found a way to silence me temporarily."
The activist clarified that his arrest was not due to any ordinary crime but rather "the only offense a dictatorship cannot tolerate: daring to face them and loudly stating what we all see: their glaring failures, chronic inefficiencies, systematic injustices, and the oppression crushing an entire people's dignity."
Fostering Critical Thinking in El4tico
Kamil, known for his thoughtful approach and analytical skills, emphasized that his work with El4tico aimed to promote critical thinking "without hatred or polarization." "I have merely pointed out what is wrong, degrading, and dehumanizing. Apparently, that is unforgivable," he wrote.
In his letter, the young activist denounced how the Cuban state, amid its deepest crisis in recent history, "chooses to tighten the screws, suffocate the narrative, and increase repression levels." He also described fear as the power's primary driving force: "They fear taking responsibility for their mistakes more than dragging an entire people to the abyss out of pride and arrogance."
Hypocrisy in Official Discourse
Zayas reflected on the hypocrisy of the official narrative, which glorifies rebellion in history books while persecuting those who practice it today: "They silence those of us doing exactly what they teach: raising our voices against injustice. These are their heroes until someone truly imitates them."
In one of the most poignant sections, the young man humbly defined himself: "I am no one special, neither a leader nor indispensable. I am just another Cuban, a small piece in a vast cause: to live with dignity and speak the truth without fear."
The letter concluded with a message of hope and defiance: "Silencing me won't silence the tide. A cell cannot extinguish a collective consciousness that has awakened. Forced silence fixes nothing; it only festers the wound. The Cuban people no longer settle for crumbs or tales. They deserve — they demand — something far better."
The text has gone viral under the hashtag #TodosSomosEl4tico, sparking solidarity reactions both within and outside Cuba.
Amid power outages, censorship, and a rising wave of uncertainty and indignation, Kamil Zayas' letter encapsulates the spirit of a generation confronting fear with words. A message that, although penned from the anticipation of confinement, now belongs to the collective memory of a nation that — as he wrote — "demands something much better."
Understanding the Impact of El4tico's Arrest
Why were the El4tico youths arrested in Cuba?
The El4tico youths were arrested for expressing their thoughts and challenging the Cuban regime's oppressive practices, which the government sees as intolerable.
What was the purpose of Kamil Zayas's letter?
Kamil Zayas wrote the letter to highlight the Cuban regime's repressive actions and to emphasize the importance of critical thinking and free expression.
How has the international community reacted to the arrest?
The arrest has sparked reactions of solidarity both within Cuba and internationally, with many using the hashtag #TodosSomosEl4tico to show support.