Cuban activist Aylín Sardiña Fernández revealed on Thursday via her Facebook account that she received an official summons from the Ministry of the Interior. She has been called to appear this Friday, August 28, at 1:00 p.m. at the 6th Station of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) in the Marianao district of Havana.
The summons cites an "interview" as the reason for her appearance and warns that failure to comply could result in charges of disobedience, with fines ranging from 100 to 300 units.
Systematic Targeting of Activists
Sardiña stated that the summons follows a period of systematic harassment directed at her family. "After several days of my family being harassed—my mother, my brother, and even my father in Los Arabos—I received this summons," she expressed in her post.
The activist firmly rejected any grounds for this persecution, asserting, "I have not committed any crime. Neither my family nor I deserve to be harassed by State Security simply for having a different opinion."
Security Concerns in Cuba
In her denunciation, Sardiña also highlighted the regime's misplaced priorities amidst a security crisis affecting the public. She pointed out her recent visit to Colón, Matanzas, "where it's nearly impossible to walk the streets due to rampant violence and crime, issues that are not prioritized by the authorities of this country. Their priority is anyone who doesn't align with their ideals."
This account aligns with documented events: a fatal shooting occurred outside a bar in Colón on July 23, and Matanzas led the nation in crime statistics in 2025 with 503 verified offenses, according to the Cuban Citizens' Audit Observatory.
Intimidation Tactics
The 6th Station of the PNR in Marianao is familiar with such cases. In July, activist Gisselle Ordóñez Milián was also summoned to this station, where she reported undergoing a prolonged interrogation filled with threats and pressure involving her young son.
Organizations such as Cubalex have documented that summonses for "interviews" often serve as de facto interrogations by State Security, using family harassment as a common pressure tactic against activists.
Persistent Repression
The repressive pattern in 2026 remains unchanged. The Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH) recorded 332 repressive actions in May alone, with police harassment of activists' homes being the most frequent violation.
Sardiña is no stranger to Cuban activism. In April 2022, she played a key role in organizing a march against animal cruelty, which the government ultimately prohibited, leading to her initial police summons. She has since organized community solidarity events, like offering free haircuts in Havana churches.
Faced with uncertainty about what lies ahead, Sardiña urged her followers to spread her message and stay vigilant: "I pose NO threat to society. Quite the opposite. I have always strived to uphold a righteous, fair, and respectful stance towards others. Yet, today, I am treated like a criminal."
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Cuban Activists
Why was Aylín Sardiña Fernández summoned by the Cuban authorities?
Aylín Sardiña Fernández was summoned for an "interview" by the Ministry of the Interior, likely as part of systematic harassment due to her activism and differing views from the Cuban regime.
What are the common tactics used by Cuban authorities against activists?
Cuban authorities often use summonses for "interviews," which are actual interrogations, and employ family harassment as pressure tactics against activists.
What did Aylín Sardiña highlight about the security situation in Cuba?
Sardiña pointed out the severe violence and crime in areas like Colón, Matanzas, which are not prioritized by the authorities, who focus instead on those opposing their ideals.