Alina Bárbara López: A Defiant Voice Against Silence and Oppression

Prominent Cuban historian and activist Alina Bárbara López Hernández recently expressed her unwavering stance as an independent intellectual on her Facebook profile. She emphasized her refusal to accept any form of reward or benefits if it meant staying silent on issues like human rights abuses and state repression in Cuba. Her message comes amidst increasing pressure on her as she continues her activism from Matanzas.

"I am an intellectual who refused to accept any perks if it required me to remain silent in the face of injustices, human rights violations, and Cuban state repression," López declared, addressing allegations of seeking personal fame. She also warned those affiliated with the State Security that they would not succeed in provoking her.

Standing Firm in Her Beliefs

López stressed that above all, she is a Cuban citizen committed to voicing her opinions freely within the country, without seeking approval from anyone. "To NO ONE, and that means exactly that," she asserted.

She distanced her activism from any pursuit of popularity, stating, "I've never written to captivate audiences or to gather likes or followers. I'm neither a content creator nor a YouTuber."

Additionally, López clarified that she does not speak on behalf of any organization or political party, nor does she see herself as a heroine tasked with saving Cuba. She defined such a mission as "a collective effort."

Championing a Diverse Future

Her declaration included a strong endorsement of pluralism as essential for a democratic Cuba: "In a future democratic Cuba, various ideas, proposals, and projects, even those opposing each other, must coexist."

Reflecting on her intellectual journey, she acknowledged, "My opinions can be challenged. I don't consider myself infallible; no one is. Ten years ago, I didn't think the way I do today."

The statement concluded with a direct message to those attempting to destabilize her online: "Don't waste your energy; I am not provoked by you. I am clear about my priorities in this struggle. It's unfortunate that you are not."

Facing Repression Head-On

This declaration follows López's recent accusation that her phone line was cloned by State Security, whom she mockingly referred to as the "fifth best police force in the world." She also criticized the situation in Cuba, describing it as "trapped between an inept government indifferent to its people and a U.S. politician indifferent to international law."

In April, López was arrested in Matanzas during her monthly protest and was detained for over nine hours. In February, she and activist Leonardo Romero Negrín were held for 12 hours and faced charges of "disrespect," which they both denied. López also faces a postponed trial on "assault" charges, with prosecutors seeking a four-year prison sentence.

Since March 2023, López has held peaceful protests every 18th of the month in Matanzas's Parque de la Libertad, carrying a blank sign demanding political prisoner amnesty, an end to repression, and a Constituent Assembly. She explained her monthly resistance on the 103rd anniversary of the Protest of the Thirteen: "Protesting every 18th was my way of expressing disagreement with how this system crushes our rights."

Her post included two quotes attributed to José Martí, one of which reads: "Where there is no equity and respect for all opinions, there is no homeland but a dictatorship."

López is also dealing with a November 2023 "disobedience" sentence, resulting in a 7,500 Cuban peso fine, which she refused to pay and appealed, citing political motives. Her case has drawn condemnation from international human rights organizations documenting the regime's systematic persecution of intellectuals and activists exercising their right to dissent from within the island.