In the early hours of this Tuesday, the State Security and the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) initiated a surveillance operation in front of the national headquarters of the Ladies in White in Lawton, Havana. This action aligned with the celebration of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, Cuba's patron saint.
Ángel Moya Acosta, a dissident and husband of Berta Soler, the leader of the movement, reported the operation through his Facebook account, sharing photos showing two PNR patrol cars—units 075 and 744—parked nearby, along with uniformed officers.
"On this September 8, 2026, the Day of the Virgin of Charity, a joint operation by State Security and Revolutionary Police operatives has been visibly monitoring the national headquarters of the Ladies in White located in Lawton-Havana since early morning," Moya posted.
The surveillance reportedly began as early as Monday, with agents positioned outside the opposition group's headquarters.
On that day, Soler was intercepted in public by State Security agents and forced to return to her home, according to activists' reports.
Soler herself confirmed the events. As cited by the agency EFE through Swissinfo, she explained that when she attempted to leave for her "usual errands," an agent instructed her to return home to avoid arrest.
This recent encirclement adds to numerous incidents reported by Soler and Moya throughout 2026.
On May 9, both were detained in separate patrol cars in the Diez de Octubre municipality to prevent them from attending church. In July, during the anniversary of the July 11 protests, Soler again reported a police cordon against the movement's members and its headquarters.
The Ladies in White emerged in 2003 following the "Black Spring," when the Cuban regime imprisoned 75 dissidents, independent journalists, and activists. The European Parliament awarded the movement the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in 2005.
This Tuesday's operation carries special significance as it coincides with September 8, a day when the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre is celebrated both within and beyond Cuba.
Understanding the Ongoing Repression in Cuba
Who are the Ladies in White?
The Ladies in White is an opposition movement that emerged in 2003 in response to the Cuban regime's imprisonment of 75 dissidents, journalists, and activists during the "Black Spring." They advocate for human rights and freedom in Cuba.
Why is Berta Soler significant in the movement?
Berta Soler is the leader of the Ladies in White, playing a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of political prisoners and challenging the Cuban government. Her leadership has made her a prominent figure in the opposition movement.