State Security agents apprehended a pastor on Saturday, June 27, in the town of Cabaiguán, located in the Sancti Spíritus province. The arrest occurred during a peaceful religious gathering characterized by Cuban flags, music, and chants like "Free Cuba for Christ."
The event was captured in several videos shared on Facebook by Tony Mendoza Bermúdez. He recorded the moment when the pastor was led to a white 4x4 vehicle by regime agents, while congregants, including children, witnessed the arrest.
"Where is the pastor going? They’ll have to arrest all of us, children included! We’re all going to the police now! Let’s go with the police! Let’s go!" one of the attendees can be heard saying.
During the peaceful demonstration, participants declared, "Against those who sit in chairs and are corrupt, against those who govern from chairs and are corrupt, we rise against these people and declare that God's justice will prevail," as documented in another video.
Confrontation and Defiance
When the agents attempted to break up the gathering, a participant boldly replied, "This is not a political demonstration; this is an act of faith. The problem is you don’t understand because you are into witchcraft and sorcery," as seen in the footage.
Mendoza Bermúdez publicly called for assistance in identifying the state security agents involved: "Please, someone help me identify the state security oppressors to expose them. Here they took the pastor into custody." He also wrote, "I know many of you are afraid to even like this post, but you should be more afraid of being silenced and starved while they continue to steal and extort."
History of Religious Repression
Cabaiguán is no stranger to religious persecution. In June 2020, evangelical pastor Yasser Caraballo was detained in the same town and later released under the condition of selling his pork production to the state for four pesos per pound.
This incident is part of a series of arrests targeting religious leaders in 2026. On March 15, evangelical pastor Rolando Pérez Lora was detained in Matanzas while on his way to church.
Religious communities in Cuba face systematic and escalating repression. In 2024, the Alliance of Cuban Christians documented 996 repressive actions against religious leaders on the island, as stated publicly by the organization. In 2025, 873 violations were recorded, and in April 2026 alone, the Observatory for Religious Freedom reported 111 cases affecting 71 individuals.
International Attention and Local Resolve
In March 2026, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) once again included Cuba on its list of countries with "severe and systematic violations" of religious freedom, a designation persistently ignored by the Havana regime.
Mendoza Bermúdez expressed the sentiments of many Cubans by writing, "The people cannot allow fear to dictate the future and life of Cuba. Once we realize we outnumber them, we will understand the power we hold."
Understanding Religious Repression in Cuba
Why was the pastor arrested in Cabaiguán?
The pastor was arrested during a peaceful religious demonstration that included Cuban flags, music, and chants. Authorities viewed the gathering as a threat, despite it being an act of faith.
What is the history of religious repression in Cabaiguán?
Cabaiguán has a documented history of religious repression. In 2020, pastor Yasser Caraballo was detained and later released under restrictive conditions. The region continues to experience systematic religious persecution.
How has international attention highlighted Cuba's religious freedom issues?
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has repeatedly listed Cuba as a country with severe violations of religious freedom. This international attention aims to pressure the Cuban regime to change its policies.