A Cuban national was forcibly removed from a Buena Fe concert in Madrid on Friday, March 6, after he shouted slogans against the oppressive government and demanded the release of political prisoners in Cuba.
The incident, captured in several videos circulating on social media, has sparked reactions from Cuban exile activists. Footage shared by numerous users depicts the moment when several attendees surround the protester inside the auditorium, forcibly ejecting him as he continued to shout "Down with the dictatorship" and "Freedom for political prisoners."
Reports on social media suggest that some of the individuals involved in the removal attempted to snatch the protester's mobile phone as he recorded the event.
The concert took place at the Marcelino Camacho Auditorium, affiliated with the Comisiones Obreras union in Madrid, as part of the "Songs with Spice and Buena Fe" event, featuring the Cuban duo performing alongside poet and improviser Alexis Díaz Pimienta.
Outside the venue, according to videos and online posts, police blocked other Cubans who sought to protest against the group's performance. Exile activists had previously called for demonstrations and a boycott of the concert.
Social media was abuzz with calls to prevent ticket revenue from allegedly benefiting the Cuban regime indirectly, as claimed by some opposition figures.
The duo Buena Fe, comprising Israel Rojas and Yoel Martínez, has been embroiled in controversy across various countries due to their affinity with the Cuban government. Exile activists accuse the group of publicly supporting the Havana regime while refraining from condemning its repression of dissenters and political prisoners.
Their performances in Spain have stirred tensions in the past. In recent years, concerts in cities like Madrid and Barcelona have been met with protests from Cubans advocating for freedom on the island and denouncing the regime's repression.
Controversies Surrounding Buena Fe Concerts
Why was a Cuban protester removed from the Buena Fe concert in Madrid?
The protester was expelled after shouting slogans against the Cuban regime and demanding freedom for political prisoners, which prompted a forceful ejection by other attendees.
What role does Buena Fe play in Cuban politics?
Buena Fe, known for their connection with the Cuban government, has faced criticism for defending the regime and not condemning its oppressive actions against dissidents and political prisoners.
How have previous Buena Fe concerts in Spain been received?
Previous concerts by Buena Fe in Spain, particularly in Madrid and Barcelona, have been marked by protests from the Cuban diaspora advocating for freedom and criticizing the regime's repression.