Ariel Limias Leyva has been unable to contact his family for three days since being transferred to Villa Marista in Havana by State Security, following his arrest on Friday, October 2, for staging a solo protest in front of the National Capitol.
His wife, Yulia Morales, reported to CubaNet on Monday that they still have no direct updates about his situation. "We are still grappling with the frustration and pain of having no news, no visit, not even a phone call. We are heading to Villa Marista today to see if we can get any updates," she stated.
Morales also mentioned that they have not been informed of any formal charges against her husband. "There are no charges yet. They told us that they would inform us when charges are made," she explained.
On Sunday, Morales went to Villa Marista with Limias’s mother and brother to deliver hygiene products. The officer responsible for the case informed them that Limias "remains under investigation," is in good condition, and has received his medication, although they were not allowed to see or speak with him to verify this.
The family is currently scheduled for an initial visit on Friday, October 9, assuming the authorities adhere to the announced date.
Limias was moved from the Dragones police station in Old Havana to Villa Marista on Saturday. His wife was only able to see him from a distance during the transfer.
At that time, officers informed her that they were investigating him for a potential public disorder offense and alleged violations related to accessing the Capitol’s steps.
Limias, aged 53, a former Assemblies of God pastor and a painter at the San José fair, resides in Old Havana. On Friday, he appeared at the Capitol shirtless, holding a sign reading "NO MORE ABSURD POLITICAL DISCRIMINATION" and "DOWN WITH THE DICTATORSHIP." He was arrested within minutes by four officers while shouting "Down with the dictatorship."
Despite not being affiliated with any opposition groups or engaging in public political activities regularly, Limias had previously conducted another individual protest. In July 2021, days after the 11J demonstrations, he walked the streets of Havana with a sign demanding "Freedom." He was detained then and later fined.
Before he left home to protest on Friday, Limias told his wife a phrase that now resonates deeply due to his detention: "Someone has to do it for our country."
His arrest comes amid a wave of repressive measures against religious figures and outspoken citizens in Cuba. A day prior, Pastor Rolando Fidel Pérez Lora, known as "Pregonero de Cristo," was detained for the third time this year while en route to a court to support influencer Anna Bensi and her mother, Caridad Silvente, during their trial.
According to the Cuban Conflict Observatory, September 2026 ended with 663 protests and 136 acts of repression, marking a 36% increase from the previous month.
For now, Ariel Limias's family must wait until Friday to see him, assuming the authorities follow through with the scheduled visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ariel Limias's Arrest
Why was Ariel Limias Leyva detained?
Ariel Limias Leyva was detained for conducting a solo protest in front of the National Capitol in Havana, where he displayed signs against political discrimination and the dictatorship.
What is the current status of Ariel Limias's situation?
Ariel Limias remains under investigation in Villa Marista, with no formal charges yet announced, and his family is awaiting a scheduled visit on October 9.
Has Ariel Limias protested publicly before?
Yes, Ariel Limias previously protested individually in July 2021, shortly after the 11J demonstrations, calling for freedom in the streets of Havana.