A video released by the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) reveals Panamanian citizens delivering food and other essential supplies to vulnerable residents in Matanzas. These images sharply contradict the Cuban regime's official account regarding their detention.
The footage, reportedly from February 2026, shows numerous individuals gathered in impoverished neighborhoods upon learning about the distribution of donations. Elderly citizens, mothers with children, and other locals approached gates and fences to receive bags of food. According to activist Magdiel Jorge Castro, in a message accompanying the video, "When word spread throughout the town that the Panamanians were donating food, many people came seeking help."
Cuban dissident José Daniel Ferrer stated that the group had been preparing since early February. In a social media post, he explained they traveled to Cuba with humanitarian aid intended for political prisoners, their families, peaceful opposition activists, and other vulnerable individuals. Besides food, they brought medicines and other essential items, intending to express solidarity with activists jailed in recent months for graffiti supporting freedom and opposing the Cuban political system.
The Mission and Its Challenges
Ferrer noted that part of the group planned to distribute stickers and leaflets in Havana and other provinces to support those reportedly imprisoned for similar acts. Initially, the aid was to be moved from the capital to Santiago de Cuba, but urgent requests for assistance in Pedro Betancourt (Matanzas) and other areas led to a change in their route.
Arrests and Contradictory Accounts
According to Cuba's Ministry of the Interior (MININT), ten Panamanian citizens were arrested on February 28, 2026, for alleged acts of propaganda against the constitutional order, as defined in Article 124 of the Penal Code. The regime claimed they entered Cuba to create and place "subversive" signs, expecting to receive between 1,000 and 1,500 dollars upon returning to Panama. Officials stated the detainees initially admitted to their involvement, though no material evidence has been publicly presented.
Ferrer provided a different story, claiming the group originally comprised 16 individuals. Six had left the country after learning police were searching for them, while the remaining ten, involved in graffiti activities, were detained. He alleged the detainees are being held in a detention center and warned of possible coercion to self-incriminate, asserting, "The tyranny lies," on social media.
Political Context and Growing Tensions
Among those named is Abigail Stephany Gudiño Castro, identified as one of the detainees. Ferrer announced plans to release the names and photos of the rest of the group. He also reported that Boris Betancourt, leader of the Organization for Cuba's Path to Democracy, has launched a hunger strike demanding the release of the ten Panamanians. Journalists interested in more information are encouraged to contact the group's representative in Panama, Katerine Torres.
This incident unfolds amid a severe economic crisis and widespread shortages in Cuba, where independent humanitarian efforts often face scrutiny and interference from authorities. While the totalitarian regime insists this was a politically motivated operation orchestrated from abroad, the opposition maintains the trip had a humanitarian and solidarity focus, acknowledging that some participants aimed to carry out symbolic protest actions.
To date, it remains unclear whether the detainees have independent legal representation or full access to Panamanian consular assistance. The unfolding investigation and Panama's potential diplomatic response will be crucial in clarifying the events and determining the future of the detained citizens.
Key Questions on the Detention of Panamanian Volunteers in Cuba
What were the Panamanians accused of doing in Cuba?
They were accused of conducting propaganda against the constitutional order, specifically entering Cuba to create and place "subversive" signs.
How did José Daniel Ferrer describe the Panamanians' mission?
Ferrer stated that the mission was to deliver humanitarian aid to political prisoners, their families, and other vulnerable groups while also expressing solidarity with jailed activists.
What is the political context surrounding this incident?
The incident occurs amid a severe economic crisis in Cuba, where independent humanitarian initiatives often face scrutiny and interference from the authorities.