On Friday, Grandmaster Lázaro Bruzón took to Facebook to express his unwavering commitment to speaking out against the Cuban dictatorship, despite advice urging him to remain silent. He firmly rejects the notion that silence is the right path.
Bruzón, originally from Holguín and now residing in Missouri since July 2018, competes under the U.S. flag since 2020. He shared, "I often receive messages suggesting I stay quiet, that engaging won't change anything, and it's pointless. Had I listened to those voices, I would have stopped long ago. But now, even though I'm far from many people, I feel much better."
Denouncing Injustice Over Ideology
The core of Bruzón's message is a moral stand against injustice, transcending any political ideology. He argues that imprisoning young individuals for posting videos, voicing living conditions, or singing about social realities is not about defending an ideology. "It's about justifying cruelty. Those who justify cruelty, who applaud the punishment of innocents to uphold a dogma, are simply DESPICABLE," he declared.
Bruzón highlighted a national issue: "I would never support something unjust or wrong just to protect my ideological beliefs. This is a significant part of our problem as a nation—this inhumane habit of relativizing so much crime and mistreatment."
Recent Criticisms and Personal Consequences
His recent post follows remarks where he labeled Cuba as a "dictatorship without alternation" with "the worst in economy" and "the worst in social order." This comes weeks after he revealed that his mother was harassed in a Las Tunas store due to his political views.
Bruzón's denunciations are supported by documented evidence. According to Prisoners Defenders, Cuba ended August 2026 with a record 1,339 political prisoners. In Holguín, where Bruzón hails from, members of the audiovisual project El4tico were arrested on February 6, 2026. They face charges of "propaganda against the constitutional order" and "incitement to commit crimes," with prosecutors reportedly seeking sentences of eight to ten years in prison.
Artists Facing Repression
In the music scene, several artists critical of the Cuban government remain imprisoned or have been detained. Rapper Maykel Castillo Pérez, known as "Maykel Osorbo," is serving a nine-year sentence handed down in June 2022. Fernando Almenares Rivera, "Nando OBDC," received a five-year sentence for "propaganda against the constitutional order."
Throughout 2026, Bruzón—who was once a member of the Union of Young Communists and a deputy in the Assembly of People's Power in Las Tunas—has consistently voiced criticism. In February, he accused the regime of "sinking" the country since 1959; in April, he described its leaders as "power-hungry"; and in July, marking eight years in the United States, he called the country "the model for many things I wish for Cuba's future."
His recent message concluded with a firm declaration: "Personally, I will continue to denounce the crimes of a dictatorship. I only care about being true to myself, my conscience, and most importantly, setting the best example for my children. Let them be the judge..." He ended with a clear message: "Down with the dictatorship. Freedom for all political prisoners."
Key Questions About Lázaro Bruzón's Stand Against Cuba
Why does Lázaro Bruzón speak out against the Cuban government?
Bruzón believes in denouncing injustice and cruelty, transcending political ideologies. He aims to expose the harsh realities and defend human rights.
What are some of the consequences Bruzón faces for his activism?
Bruzón's family has faced harassment, and he continues to receive advice to stay silent about his views. Despite this, he remains steadfast in his commitment to speak out.
How has the Cuban government responded to critics like Bruzón?
The Cuban government has imprisoned numerous political opponents and critics, with many facing harsh sentences for expressing dissenting views.