A 23-year-old from Ciego de Ávila, known on social media as Luismi Arias, was arrested, handcuffed, and taken to the Ministry of the Interior's (MININT) interrogation center, infamously dubbed "Todo el Mundo Canta," simply for sharing critical views about the Cuban government on his social media accounts.
Activist Lara Crofs (Yamilka Lafita) brought this case to light on Facebook, using the hashtag #sueltenaluismi. According to Crofs, who herself has faced repeated detentions and harassment, the notorious interrogation facility is a place frequently reported for its coercive and abusive practices.
Once released, Luismi confirmed his ordeal on the same Facebook post, succinctly capturing the regime's intimidation tactics: "Hi, I'm Luismi, I'm home now, it was horrible, I can't post anything anymore."
The Cuban authorities continue their pattern of threatening imprisonment through dubious criminal charges for any social media content, a strategy designed to stifle dissent without immediate incarceration. The state's aggressive stance against dissenting voices has escalated alongside the country's ongoing crisis and the increasing outcry from its citizens.
Repression of Free Expression in Cuba
Among the social media posts that triggered the crackdown on Luismi were statements like "For a Cuba where no one tells you to shhh, be quiet, don't say that or you'll be jailed," and another remarking, "Communism is so 'GOOD' they had to build a wall to keep people from escaping." None of these posts incited violence or disorder.
"Todo el Mundo Canta" is a MININT facility documented by organizations like Cubalex and the Cuba Center for a Free Cuba in cases dating back to at least January 2022, when individuals like Xavier Álvarez García, Yoel David Ochoa Álvarez, and Fernando Eloy González were detained there under public disorder accusations.
Continuing Crackdown on Content Creators
Luismi Arias's case is part of a broader wave of repression against young content creators that has intensified in Cuba throughout 2025 and 2026.
In February 2026, Kamil Zayas Pérez and Ernesto Ricardo Medina, members of the audiovisual project El4tico in Holguín, faced warrantless raids and were taken to a similar MININT facility for questioning; they remain in custody.
In March 2026, influencer Anna Bensi — Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, aged 21 — was placed under house arrest after being charged for posting a video exposing a State Security officer. Her mother was also summoned for questioning, and her sister was held without cause at the airport, her passport confiscated before a flight to Miami.
In the same province as Luismi, 16-year-old Jonathan David Muir Burgos has been detained at Canaleta prison since March 16, 2026, accused of "sabotage" for his participation in protests in Morón, suffering severe health issues due to lack of medical care.
Lara Crofs highlighted the regime's hypocrisy: "I don't know how Miguel Díaz-Canel dares to claim there are no political prisoners in Cuba." The president blatantly lied on this topic during his recent interview with NBC News.
Since the July 11, 2021 protests, which resulted in hundreds of demonstrators being sentenced to prison on flimsy charges like "sedition," the regime has upheld a policy of preventive intimidation against any critical expression on social media. Yet, the Cuban people, exhausted and desperate for change, continue to voice their dissatisfaction.
Understanding Cuba's Repressive Measures
What led to Luismi Arias's detention?
Luismi Arias was detained for posting critical opinions about the Cuban government on his social media platforms.
What is the significance of "Todo el Mundo Canta"?
"Todo el Mundo Canta" is a notorious MININT facility known for conducting interrogations and alleged mistreatment of detainees.
How has the Cuban government responded to dissenting voices?
The Cuban government has increasingly used intimidation tactics, such as threats of imprisonment, to silence dissent without immediate formal charges.