Sandro Castro, the grandson of Fidel Castro, shared a video on Facebook this Tuesday discussing the situation of fighter Javier "Spiderman" Martín Gutiérrez, who has been detained by the State Security. He expressed his hopes, saying, "I hope nothing bad happens to him."
In the debut video of his new initiative "NotiSandro," a personal news segment on his social media platforms where he presents himself as "the vampire," Sandro addressed current Cuban affairs. He mentioned that Spiderman is someone he knows personally as the fighter had worked in his Havana bars for a period of time.
He described Spiderman as a "respectful, good-hearted young man" but rationalized the detention by stating that "while his actions might not have had negative intentions, we are in such a complex situation today that it can be perceived in different ways."
Sandro added, "I also heard him speaking a bit recklessly, but anyway, I wish him health and blessings wherever he is, and I hope nothing bad happens to him," without acknowledging that the young fighter is being held in Villa Marista, the State Security's headquarters known for its oppressive tactics.
Earlier, Sandro had announced the launch of his channel: "This week, I will cover several topics and address my followers' concerns. Tomorrow, Tuesday, I will discuss the case of Javier Spiderman, followed by Jonathan David's situation, and finally, the fuel crisis."
Sandro's statement carries particular symbolic weight given his lineage as the grandson of the dictator who established the system Spiderman criticized from his balcony in Marianao during over eight days of solitary, peaceful protests.
Javier Ernesto Martín Gutiérrez, champion of the Cuban Fighting League in the 135-pound category, began his protests from the balcony of his home on Avenida 31 in Marianao, Havana, around April 15. From there, he denounced the social crisis, hunger, street violence, and the usage of "el kímico"—a synthetic drug—declaring that "the communist system is dead."
On April 24, plainclothes agents brutally detained Spiderman on 90th Street between 41 and 43, beating him and transporting him in an unmarked black vehicle to Villa Marista, the headquarters of Cuba's political police.
His mother, Lourdes Gutiérrez, and his wife, Lisandra Cuza, denounced his detention and the police's refusal to disclose his whereabouts in the hours following his arrest.
The transfer to Villa Marista underscored the political motivations behind Spiderman's detention, while the pro-government outlet Razones de Cuba attempted to delegitimize him by labeling him "unstable" and justifying his arrest as a "clinical evaluation," seen by analysts as a historical tactic of communist regimes to silence dissidents through the politicization of mental health.
This Tuesday, April 28, Spiderman had his first meeting with his lawyer at Villa Marista, where he gave a statement.
Sandro Castro, who in March told CNN that "most Cubans want capitalism, not communism," appears increasingly critical of the system. However, his ambiguous and restrained comment regarding Spiderman highlights the limits of his criticism when addressing a political prisoner in the hands of State Security.
Javier "Spiderman" Martín Gutiérrez Detention Details
Who is Javier "Spiderman" Martín Gutiérrez?
Javier "Spiderman" Martín Gutiérrez is a champion fighter in the Cuban Fighting League, known for his protests against the Cuban government from his balcony in Marianao. He is currently detained by State Security.
What did Sandro Castro say about Spiderman's detention?
Sandro Castro expressed concern for Spiderman, describing him as a respectful and good-hearted individual. He wished him health and safety but did not directly address the political nature of his detention.
Why was Spiderman detained?
Spiderman was detained for his vocal criticism of the Cuban government and its policies, which he voiced during his protests from his home balcony. His detention is believed to be politically motivated.