The Democratic Transition Council in Cuba (CTDC) has sounded the alarm regarding the enforced disappearance of opposition figure Manuel Cuesta Morúa following his arrest by State Security agents and police officers in Havana. His family and friends have not received any official information about his whereabouts since the incident.
The arrest took place this morning at the Zanja police station in Central Havana, where Cuesta Morúa had gone after receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be First Lieutenant Lázaro Aroche, allegedly an officer from the Penal Instruction unit, who instructed him to appear at the facility.
Upon his arrival, five policemen and two State Security agents were waiting for him. The CTDC reported that "Manuel Cuesta Morúa was forcibly restrained, handcuffed, and taken into a police vehicle. Violence was used during the arrest to force him into the patrol car."
Witness to the Arrest Speaks Out
María Mercedes Benítez, who accompanied Cuesta Morúa to the summons, publicly protested the arrest, asserting that he "was not a criminal or a murderer, but a peaceful opponent and human rights advocate."
A police officer threatened her with imprisonment if she did not stop and later forced her back inside the station, where she was asked for her documents and personal information.
Uncertain Whereabouts
Authorities did not inform Benítez of the location to which Cuesta Morúa was being taken. The CTDC noted unconfirmed indications that he might have been transferred to Villa Marista or the 100 and Aldabó penal instruction center, both infamous Ministry of the Interior facilities historically associated with the detention and interrogation of political prisoners under isolation.
This arrest occurred a day after State Security surrounded Benítez’s home, where Cuesta Morúa was also present, and formally summoned him for 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. Despite his earlier declaration that he would not attend, he eventually did appear.
Pattern of Harassment
The CTDC described the operation as part of "a pattern of surveillance, harassment, and persecution" and held the Cuban regime directly accountable for Cuesta Morúa's physical and psychological well-being while he remains detained and unaccounted for.
"We hold the Cuban regime and State Security organs responsible for Manuel Cuesta Morúa's physical and psychological integrity while he is deprived of liberty and in an unknown location," the organization stated.
Cuesta Morúa, a sociologist, philosopher, and historian associated with the Cuban Social Democratic Current, has led the CTDC since February 2026. His history of repression includes arrests in September 2021, January 2022, and July 2022, as well as mobility restrictions imposed since 2019.
The CTDC demanded immediate information on Cuesta Morúa's whereabouts, assurances for his safety, communication with his family, access to legal assistance, and his release. The organization concluded its statement with a stark message: "This is repression."
Key Questions on Manuel Cuesta Morúa's Disappearance
Who is Manuel Cuesta Morúa?
Manuel Cuesta Morúa is a sociologist, philosopher, and historian, and he leads the Democratic Transition Council in Cuba. He has been a vocal opponent of the Cuban regime and has faced multiple arrests and mobility restrictions due to his advocacy for human rights and democracy.
What prompted Cuesta Morúa's recent arrest?
Cuesta Morúa was arrested after receiving a summons from someone claiming to be a First Lieutenant in the Penal Instruction unit. Upon his arrival at the police station, he was forcibly detained by State Security agents and police officers.
What are the concerns of the CTDC regarding his detention?
The CTDC is deeply concerned about Cuesta Morúa's physical and psychological safety while he remains in custody without any official information on his location. They have demanded immediate communication regarding his status and guaranteed legal and familial access.