Este miércoles, the Cuban intellectual Alina Bárbara López Hernández raised alarms over the disappearance of writer and activist Jorge Fernández Era, amidst escalating social tensions and government repression on the island.
In a Facebook post, López Hernández revealed that after speaking with fellow activist Laideliz Herrera Laza, it was confirmed that Fernández Era—who has frequently been targeted by governmental repression and arbitrary arrests—remains missing.
“I just spoke with Laideliz Herrera Laza, and she confirmed that my dear Jorge Fernández Era is still missing,” she stated.
López Hernández also declared her plans to protest once more as a demonstration of her support.
“I don’t need an AKM to defend a friend; I will go out to protest again tomorrow morning,” she stated. This remark comes as a response to recent comments by pro-government singer Silvio Rodríguez and the regime's calls to "defend the country from external threats" while continuing to silence dissenting voices.
Historical Context and Present Parallels
The academic drew comparisons between the current situation and the anniversary of the Protest of the Thirteen, linking it to past moments of civic opposition in Cuba.
In her post, López Hernández delivered sharp criticism of the Cuban political system, accusing it of repressive practices.
“Dictatorships may vary greatly, but they share a family resemblance,” she commented.
She concluded her message with a powerful call to action: “End the oppression. Freedom for Cuba.”
This denunciation comes as the country faces a backdrop of power outages, protests, and growing public discontent, with reports of arrests and repressive measures against activists and citizens following demonstrations across various regions.
As of now, Cuban authorities have not officially confirmed the status of Jorge Fernández Era.
Understanding the Disappearance of Jorge Fernández Era
Who is Jorge Fernández Era?
Jorge Fernández Era is a Cuban writer and activist known for being a frequent target of governmental repression and arbitrary arrests in Cuba.
Why has Alina Bárbara López Hernández decided to protest?
Alina Bárbara López Hernández plans to protest as a demonstration of support for Jorge Fernández Era and as a stand against the repressive practices of the Cuban government.
What is the significance of the Protest of the Thirteen?
The Protest of the Thirteen is a historical event in Cuba that symbolizes civic opposition, and López Hernández referenced it to draw parallels to the current political climate.