The Argentine President, Javier Milei, took to his official X account to share a video featuring commentary from a member of the Cuban project Outside the Box Cuba. This move served to elevate the voices of these young individuals who are openly criticizing the island's political system.
Milei captioned the shared clip with "NEIGHBORHOOD PHENOMENON," which was first posted by the Cuban Libertarian Party.
In the video, a young Cuban envisions his country's future, stating, "I imagine the future of Cuba as becoming great again, just like our hat says," referring to the red cap worn by the group members.
He continues, "A nation where individual rights, the right to life, property, and freedom are respected. A place with free trade and capitalism, where thinking differently doesn't cost you your freedom or life."
During the same segment, the young man acknowledges the intellectual influences shaping his beliefs.
"Figures like Agustín Laje, Axel Kaiser, Milei, Antonio Escohotado, Jesús Huerta de Soto, and Miguel Anxo Bastos have personally influenced me. Thanks to the Internet and YouTube, I've accessed countless lectures on liberalism, economics, and various topics," he elaborated.
Outside the Box quickly responded with gratitude on their platform, thanking the Argentine leader.
"Thank you, Javier Milei, for inspiring our core ideals. One of our members appears in the clip, and we are proud to reach every corner. Thanks to everyone supporting us, we won't be silenced... LONG LIVE FREEDOM!", they wrote.
Milei's public support comes at a particularly challenging time for these activists, who face digital activism within Cuba amid smear campaigns on state television and intimidation from the State Security.
Recently, the state-run show Con Filo, hosted by Michel Torres Corona, targeted them on national TV, derogatorily labeling them as "evangelicals" and accusing them of spreading "the worst anti-communist propaganda" with "Trump-style caps."
Refusing to remain silent, members of Outside the Box fired back with confidence. "For someone who likes to invent laws, did you know defamation is a crime?" they queried in a video shared online.
They reiterated their criticism: "Cuba's situation is inherently tied to communism. Every country that has adopted collectivist ideas has ended in poverty, hunger, and depression."
Prior to this media clash, they reported a suspicious visit from a man claiming to be a "State Security agent," identified as Dainel Correa Quintana, allegedly conducting a "census."
The youth described the visit as "suspicious," explaining that their father refused to provide information. They also noted that the supposed agent attempted to reach them through their grandmother, "posing as a friend."
Despite the harassment, they reaffirmed their resolve: "We knew this would happen, that persecution would start any moment," adding, "We'll keep making videos... we won't be intimidated or silenced."
With thousands of social media followers, the project underscores that dissent isn't a crime. "Expressing oneself isn't a crime," they emphasize.
In an environment where the official narrative dominates traditional media and public dissent often leads to consequences, their digital efforts are acts of bravery.
Milei's post not only extended their message beyond Cuban borders but also spotlighted the voices of young individuals within the island advocating for freedom of thought and pluralism, despite facing defamation and pressure.
Impact of Javier Milei's Support on Cuban Activism
How did Javier Milei support the Cuban youth project "Outside the Box"?
Javier Milei supported the Cuban youth project "Outside the Box" by sharing a video from the group on his official X account, thereby amplifying their message and giving them international exposure.
What challenges do the members of "Outside the Box" face in Cuba?
Members of "Outside the Box" face smear campaigns on state television, intimidation from State Security, and general pressure for their digital activism within Cuba, which challenges the island's political system.