Former Cuban spy René González took to Facebook on Tuesday to defend his daughter, Ivette González Salanueva, amid backlash over a scholarship she received to study in Japan. True to his style, González didn't address the underlying issues but instead chose to disparage those questioning the circumstances.
In his Facebook post, González labeled the journalists covering the story as a "flock of vultures" and a "herd of misfits," accusing them of profiting at his daughter's expense.
"As if to keep their skills sharp, yesterday the usual flock of vultures pounced on my daughter Ivette for being awarded a scholarship in Japan," wrote the former member of the Wasp Network, who was sentenced to 15 years in U.S. prison in 2001.
Rather than offer a transparent explanation, González shared a personal anecdote: Ivette's mother, Olga Salanueva, insisted that she achieve perfect scores in school.
"The only grade I accept is 100. I will never argue a grade with a teacher, even if you're right, because no one will ever say I fought for something on behalf of your father," González quoted, framing this maternal demand as evidence that Ivette receives no special treatment.
However, González sidestepped the key question: if Ivette is as independent and deserving as he claims, why is it her father—a "national hero" of the regime—who publicly defends her against criticism?
González claims that "the scholarship was arranged by her workplace"—the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana—because a project Ivette created met the criteria set by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and that she won "in open competition against other proposals."
What the beleaguered father omitted is that the Office of the Historian enjoys significant financial autonomy, access to foreign currency, and international networks, making it a privileged entity within Cuba's system.
González Salanueva, who worked as a specialist in international organizations at that office, is set to pursue a master's degree at Ritsumeikan University as part of the Global Leaders Program for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. JICA Cuba announced her departure on August 21.
This situation is not unique. The daughter of former spy Ramón Labañino studied in Spain, where Cuban activists confronted her. The stepson of Díaz-Canel attended private universities in Madrid and managed a Spanish company. The children of former Economy Minister Alejandro Gil found themselves in strategic positions in foreign trade. All this while millions of Cubans face an unprecedented crisis without similar opportunities.
González has a documented history of attacking independent media. In March 2021, he called for the prosecution of those involved in independent journalism and activism. His recent post follows the same pattern: insult those reporting on the news to avoid addressing issues of transparency and privilege.
"Fortunately, whether she studies in Japan or Cuba, she lacks the gene to prostitute what she learns or use it for intrigue, scheming, lying, or gossip; something none of the scribblers who decided to make a living at her expense yesterday can boast," González concluded, without clarifying how the selection process can be verified as truly open when it is managed by the workplace of a regime hero's daughter.
Exploring the Controversy Over Cuban Scholarships Abroad
Why is Ivette González Salanueva's scholarship in Japan controversial?
The scholarship is controversial due to concerns about nepotism and privilege, as her father, a "national hero," is defending her publicly. There are questions about transparency in the selection process managed by her workplace, which is a privileged entity within the Cuban system.
What is the role of the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana in this scholarship?
The Office of the Historian, where Ivette González Salanueva worked, is said to have facilitated her scholarship application. It has significant autonomy and resources, raising questions about the fairness and openness of the process.
How does this case compare to other instances of Cuban officials' children studying abroad?
Similar cases include the daughter of Ramón Labañino studying in Spain and the stepson of Díaz-Canel attending universities in Madrid. These instances highlight a pattern where children of Cuban officials access opportunities abroad while ordinary Cubans face severe limitations.