Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, a former Cuban spy convicted in the United States for conspiracy to commit espionage and complicity in the murder of four Cuban-American pilots, recently took to social media to demand "Freedom for Miami to live without fear!" after visiting El Fanguito, one of Havana's most impoverished neighborhoods.
In his post, Hernández mentioned he wouldn’t disclose whose house he visited "to protect the families from retaliation by the snitches in Miami," using the hashtags #Cuba, #CDRCuba, and #LaPatriaSeDefiende to accompany his message.
The tweet included a photograph showing Hernández seated beside a religious altar featuring the image of the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, yellow flowers, and various decorative items, seemingly within a modest home in the neighborhood.
Irony and Controversy Surrounding Hernández's Message
The irony of Hernández's statement did not go unnoticed. The man who now calls for "freedom" in Miami was once the leader of the Wasp Network, a Cuban espionage ring that infiltrated the exile community in South Florida from 1994 to 1998. He currently leads the CDR, an organization linked to surveillance, informing, and social control in Cuba.
Hernández was sentenced in 2001 to two life terms plus 15 years for his role in the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996, resulting in the deaths of four Cuban-American pilots over international waters in the Florida Straits. He was released in 2014 as part of the diplomatic thaw between Barack Obama and Raúl Castro and was hailed as a national hero upon his return to Cuba.
Public Backlash and Heated Responses
The reactions to his tweet were fierce. One user accused Hernández of being a "snitch" himself, responsible for civilian deaths and defending a regime that imprisons children and terrorizes ordinary Cubans. Another sarcastically remarked about a supposed future arrest, suggesting preparations were underway for his detention when change comes.
A third comment highlighted the contradiction in Hernández's message, pointing out that if there are informants in Miami, they are there because he and his organization sent them.
Exiled Cubans were equally blunt: "If someone is afraid, it's because they're a snitch like you. I've criticized the exile and never faced a protest like you organize," and "In Cuba, people live with more fear; a Cuban can be jailed just for writing poetry."
Recurrent Controversies Involving Hernández
Hernández's tweet fits a pattern of recurring controversies. On June 4, journalist Mario Vallejo released a video of him drinking and smoking at Havana's Hotel Nacional, an exclusive venue. Hernández unapologetically responded that he lives "in a free country" and goes "where he's invited."
In April, he faced backlash for posting photos of himself enjoying street food during a time when Cuba was enduring power outages with a deficit of over 1,100 MW during peak hours.
In May 2026, Hernández presented a plan to Díaz-Canel to strengthen the CDR, which was criticized as a reiteration of ineffective calls since 2020. The organization he leads continues to be criticized by human rights groups as an instrument of repression and harassment against the Cuban people.
Exploring the Impact of Gerardo Hernández's Statements
What was Gerardo Hernández's role in the Wasp Network?
Gerardo Hernández led the Wasp Network, a Cuban espionage ring that infiltrated the exile community in South Florida between 1994 and 1998.
Why did Hernández's tweet receive backlash?
His call for "freedom" in Miami was seen as ironic and hypocritical, given his past espionage activities and leadership of an organization associated with repression in Cuba.
What controversies has Hernández been involved in recently?
He has been involved in controversies such as being seen drinking and smoking at an exclusive hotel and posting photos during national power outages, among others.