A Panamanian activist has brought attention to the coercion, interrogations, and detentions imposed by Cuban authorities following his trip to the island for humanitarian aid efforts. This comes amid rising concern over the ten Panamanian citizens currently detained in Havana.
Jair Ortiz, a member of the movement Path to Peaceful Democracy in Cuba, reported being held for over ten hours by regime agents during his stay in the province of Matanzas. He recounted being pressured during interrogations to incriminate himself.
"I was detained for more than 10 hours in Matanzas, and they accuse you, almost forcing you to accuse yourself," Ortiz stated in an interview with Martí Noticias.
Ortiz was part of a group of Panamanians who traveled to Cuba with the intent of distributing food and other supplies to vulnerable families. The donations, according to his account, included groceries and food bags specifically aimed at children and those in need.
"We were distributing food to over 50 families from six in the morning, but we had already run out of supplies for the children," he explained.
A video recently released by the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) captures scenes of this aid distribution in impoverished neighborhoods of Matanzas. The footage shows locals, elderly individuals, mothers with children, and others approaching gates and fences to receive food bags after word spread that foreign citizens were donating basic necessities.
The video has been used by opposition groups to dispute the official Cuban regime's narrative, which claims that the visitors entered the country to engage in "subversive" activities.
According to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), ten Panamanian citizens were arrested on February 28, accused of propaganda against the constitutional order, a charge that could lead to up to ten years in prison. Authorities maintain that the group intended to post signs critical of the Cuban political system.
Ortiz, however, claims that tensions rose when authorities became aware of the group's actions, forcing him to make a hasty departure from the island.
"I had to leave the country quickly, abandoning the hotel and car to rush to the airport because there was already a pursuit," Ortiz recounted to the Panamanian outlet Telemetro Reporta.
Ortiz's statements also mention that at least four Cubans were arrested for allegedly assisting the group with directions or transportation during the donation distribution.
"All of Panama is concerned about the ten Panamanians there, but there are also Cubans imprisoned who extended a helping hand," he asserted.
Meanwhile, the Panamanian government has initiated diplomatic efforts. Panamanian Ambassador to Cuba, Edwin Pitty, recently met with the ten detainees at Villa Marista, the State Security headquarters in Havana.
Following this meeting, Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded guarantees of due process, respect for the presumption of innocence, and access to legal assistance for their citizens.
The case has captured attention both in Panama and among Cuban activists, set against a backdrop of scarcity and economic crisis on the island, where independent humanitarian aid initiatives are often monitored or obstructed by authorities.
Concerns About Detained Panamanians and Cubans in Cuba
What led to the detainment of Panamanian citizens in Cuba?
Ten Panamanian citizens were detained in Cuba on charges of propaganda against the constitutional order, with allegations that they planned to display signs critical of the Cuban political system.
How has the Panamanian government responded to the arrests?
The Panamanian government has initiated diplomatic measures, including a meeting between their ambassador in Cuba and the detained citizens, and has demanded due process and legal assistance for them.
What role did Jair Ortiz play in Cuba?
Jair Ortiz was part of a humanitarian aid effort, distributing food and supplies to needy families in Cuba, which led to his detention and subsequent pressure from Cuban authorities.