Cuban historian and activist Alina Bárbara López Hernández found herself detained twice on Saturday in Matanzas while attempting to carry out her monthly civic protest, which coincided with Nelson Mandela International Day. She recounted the events on Facebook, describing the second detention as "surreal" and likening it to a "kidnapping without any other possible interpretation."
During the initial arrest, López was held for around five hours at a police station. An officer issued her a warning notice for violating house arrest conditions imposed under what is known as "case 40." López refused to sign the document, insisting she did not acknowledge the warning.
Once released, she headed back to the park. Just half a block away, a patrol car—alerted by a plainclothes officer—was ordered to detain her once more.
A Repeat Arrest with Absurd Twists
Back at the station, the situation took a bizarre turn. The same officer who had issued the warning appeared puzzled by López's return, asking, "What are you doing here?" López replied, "Ask the patrolmen who brought me."
The officers privately informed the official that someone from Counterintelligence was supposed to "have a conversation" with the activist. However, no one showed up. After nearly an hour waiting in the station's lobby, López told the officer, "No one will come to speak with me because the Counterintelligence officials directing you are cowards who don't dare to face me."
Shortly after, the officer informed López, "You can leave; I'm not keeping you here any longer."
Displaying resilience, López used her first detention to read the book "Strategic Nonviolent Struggle: 100 Practical Tips" by activist Omar López Montenegro.
The Legal Limbo of "Case 40"
The "case 40" refers to the legal proceedings against López and sociologist Jenny Pantoja, with charges López claims are fabricated by Counterintelligence: "assault," "disrespect," and "disobedience" for her, and "assault" for Pantoja. The prosecution demands a four-year prison sentence for López and three years for Pantoja. Despite the case being filed with the Matanzas Municipal Court for over a year, no trial date has been set after an initial hearing was abruptly canceled without explanation. When asked about rescheduling, the court president reportedly replied, "no idea."
López criticizes the regime's manipulation: "They won't try me in court, violating due process, but the house arrest from case 40 is convenient for detaining me at will."
Persistent Repression and Escalating Responses
In 2026 alone, the activist has faced repeated detentions during her monthly protest attempts: 12 hours in February, nearly 10 in April, and another 10 in June.
In response to Saturday's crackdown, López declared her intent to intensify her actions: "Is it a problem if I go out on the 18th? Well, it won't just be that day. I'll start non-violent protests at the Municipal Court, the Prosecutor's Office, the Party, the Government, and the State Security Operations headquarters."
She also noted that on the same day, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara was exiled from Cuba, concluding with a statement about her choice to remain in the country: "If we have to suffer, we suffer together. But from within."
Understanding Alina Bárbara López's Arrests
What led to Alina Bárbara López's arrests in Matanzas?
López was detained while attempting to carry out her monthly civic protest, coinciding with Nelson Mandela International Day. She was arrested twice, with the second incident being described as "surreal." The arrests are linked to her activism and the ongoing legal proceedings under "case 40."
What is "case 40" concerning Alina Bárbara López?
"Case 40" is the legal proceeding against López and sociologist Jenny Pantoja. It involves charges López claims were fabricated by Counterintelligence, including "assault," "disrespect," and "disobedience." The case has been stalled in the Matanzas Municipal Court for over a year without a trial date.