In a troubling incident in Cabaiguán, Sancti Spíritus, a man allegedly found himself involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital after displaying a sign reading "Trump." This claim was made by evangelical pastor Alian López Rodríguez on Facebook.
The individual, Santiago Elieser Fernández Pérez, also known as "El Chiqui," is a member of López Rodríguez's congregation. According to accounts from locals gathered by the pastor, Fernández Pérez put up the sign on August 12, just before the official events marking the centennial of dictator Fidel Castro's birth.
Following this event, Fernández Pérez was reportedly taken initially to a police station and then transferred to a psychiatric facility, where he remains confined.
Concerns Over Detention Conditions
Pastor López Rodríguez stated he visited him on August 20, engaging in conversation with the detained man.
"He told me he felt mentally healthy and was unaware of the reason for his forced placement in that facility," the pastor recounted.
The pastor voiced significant concern due to Fernández Pérez's proximity to patients who, according to his observations, exhibit aggressive behaviors. Additionally, he emphasized that Fernández Pérez is elderly, suffering from malnutrition and urinary retention issues, which increase his vulnerability during his confinement.
Prior Incidents of Political Repression
Fernández Pérez has a history of political repression. As López Rodríguez noted, he was incarcerated in Cabaiguán during the 1980s for political reasons.
"There are times when remaining silent is prudent, but in this instance, it is cowardice. We raise our voices for those who cannot and defend those who cannot defend themselves," López Rodríguez declared.
Legal and Human Rights Advocacy
The legal advisory group Cubalex has also highlighted Fernández Pérez's case, asserting that his detention was arbitrary. They further noted the absence of any medical rationale for his confinement and expressed alarm over the potential misuse of psychiatric institutions to suppress political dissent.
Similarly, the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press (ICLEP) has documented the case under arbitrary detention and abuse of state power, urging Cuban authorities to clarify the legal and medical justifications for his continued confinement.
Historical Misuse of Psychiatric Institutions
This incident once again draws attention to the alleged use of psychiatric facilities against individuals deemed inconvenient by the Cuban regime, a practice denounced by both dissidents and human rights organizations at various times.
Noteworthy past cases include writer Ariel Hidalgo, who recounted being sent to the Havana Psychiatric Hospital—commonly known as Mazorra—in 1981 by State Security after advocating for democratic elections. Another example is athlete Javier Ernesto Martín Gutiérrez, the "Cuban Spiderman," who was detained with official narratives suggesting mental illness, though psychiatric evaluations found no such issues.
López Rodríguez himself has previously reported repression against him. In June, he was detained during a peaceful religious demonstration in Cabaiguán, and his case was cited by Cuban human rights organizations as one of the most severe in the first half of the year.
As of this Sunday, Cuban authorities had not publicly commented on Fernández Pérez's case or provided explanations for his hospitalization.
Key Questions About Santiago Elieser Fernández Pérez's Case
Why was Santiago Elieser Fernández Pérez reportedly detained?
Fernández Pérez was reportedly detained and committed to a psychiatric hospital after displaying a sign with the word "Trump," an action that may have been viewed unfavorably by the authorities.
What has been the response from human rights organizations?
Organizations like Cubalex and ICLEP have criticized the arbitrary nature of Fernández Pérez's detention and the lack of medical justification for his internment, calling for clarity from the Cuban government.
How has Pastor Alian López Rodríguez been involved?
Pastor Alian López Rodríguez has been actively advocating for Fernández Pérez, visiting him and speaking out against his detention, while also highlighting the broader issue of repression in Cuba.