Cuban dissident José Daniel Ferrer took to social media to report the arrest of a 68-year-old tricycle driver in San Antonio de los Baños, located in the province of Artemisa. The arrest was allegedly due to a sign the driver placed on his vehicle.
In a post on Facebook, Ferrer stated: "I've been informed that Felipe Rodríguez, aged 68, was detained in San Antonio de los Baños for placing a sign behind the seat of his pedicab stating he doesn't give rides to informants. Only to free men. If you know more about this case and can provide further details or his second last name, I would greatly appreciate it."
Accompanying the complaint were images showing a tricycle with a sign at the rear that reads: "I don't give rides to snitches or informants. Only free men."
The terms "snitches" and "informants" are commonly used in Cuban slang to derogatorily describe individuals who cooperate with authorities.
Previously, another social media post by user Odaly H. Rizo brought attention to the incident: "This man in the photo is Felipe Rodríguez. He is one of those people you meet, and your day brightens because of his wit and humor. Yesterday, he was arrested for what he wrote on his tricycle or passenger motorbike: 'I don't give rides to snitches or informants. Only free men,'" she explained.
She continued in the same post: "Felipe is a wonderful human being, and it's not just me saying this; the entire town of #sanantoniodelosbaños knows what I'm talking about." Her post also accused an alleged agent involved in the arrest. She claimed: "Ah, divine surprise, he was arrested by the most despicable person born from old mares with red straw-like hair... It wasn't enough to arrest him; he had the audacity to threaten him by saying, 'I feel like shooting you right here.'"
In her subsequent message, she added: "Pilili, you are a despicable and cowardly person for assaulting a defenseless and ill man."
In a follow-up post, she asserted: "This is not a crime; he owns his vehicle and can choose who he gives rides to."
The allegations sparked numerous reactions on social media, with several users expressing support for the tricycle driver and calling for his release.
Comments on the post included messages such as: "Freedom for Felipe Rodríguez. Down with injustice. Freedom for Cuba," "What an example of bravery! My respects," and "It's his bike; he can choose who he wants to give rides to."
Other remarks highlighted the driver's reputation in his community and showed solidarity with him. Comments included: "A great human being," "A great man and friend," "An amazing person with a big heart," and "A man with a big heart, you have my support." Additionally, many users emphasized that the reported act is not a crime and reiterated calls for his release.
In responses to the post, when asked about the identity of the mentioned agent or police officer, Odaly H. Rizo shared a photograph.
As of now, Cuban authorities have not provided any official statement regarding the arrest or the situation of the tricycle driver reported on social media.
FAQs on the Arrest of Felipe Rodríguez in Cuba
Who is Felipe Rodríguez?
Felipe Rodríguez is a 68-year-old tricycle driver from San Antonio de los Baños, known for his humor and wit in the community.
Why was Felipe Rodríguez arrested?
Felipe Rodríguez was reportedly arrested for placing a sign on his pedicab that refused rides to informants, stating he only serves "free men."
What has been the public response to his arrest?
The arrest has sparked significant support for Rodríguez on social media, with calls for his release and numerous comments praising his character.