The Cuban historian and philosopher, Alina Bárbara López Hernández, recently took to Facebook to reaffirm her dedication to a monthly peaceful demonstration she conducts on the 18th of each month. She anticipates being detained this Sunday as she endeavors to exercise this right in Matanzas.
In her Saturday post, López Hernández highlighted the legality of her actions, grounding them in the Cuban Constitution itself: "Since March 18, 2023, I have been using this avenue to voice my discontent. By doing so, I am exercising the right to peaceful protest as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Cuba."
Historical Context and Personal Resolve
For over three years, López Hernández has individually protested every 18th of the month at the Liberty Park in Matanzas. This initiative began in 2023, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the historic "Protest of the Thirteen," when poet Rubén Martínez Villena and other Cuban intellectuals disrupted an official event to denounce government corruption at the time.
In her message, López Hernández challenges the accusation of "illegal propaganda against the constitutional order" that the regime uses to justify its repression: "It's not propaganda. Propaganda is what the Party and the State use to cover up their lack of social support and the general crisis we are enduring."
Challenging the Regime’s Narrative
She goes further, clarifying her standpoint: "In case there is any doubt, I openly oppose a constitutional order that only acknowledges State power and not the rights of citizens."
The activist predicts the likely scenario she will face during her protest on Sunday: "When they detain me tomorrow, they will probably ignore what I express here. They lack the courage for that. Nor do they have ethics. They will revert to the same old charade of a warning act because I allegedly violate the house arrest of a false judicial process they do not dare to fully pursue."
Enduring Legal Battles
This precautionary house arrest has been in place since June 18, 2024, under the so-called "case 40," a criminal proceeding she shares with sociologist Jenny Pantoja Torres. The prosecution seeks a four-year prison sentence for López Hernández on charges of assault, contempt, and disobedience. Her trial, scheduled for January 30, 2026, was indefinitely postponed by Judge Ysenia Rodríguez Vázquez without setting a new date.
This indefinite suspension has turned the precautionary measure into a tool for ongoing control. So far this year, the activist has been detained at least five times while attempting her monthly protest.
A Declaration of Independence
López Hernández describes herself as "a citizen and intellectual who realized that passivity and obedience have brought us to our current situation," and she clarifies that she is not affiliated with any political party or organization.
Her post ends with a brief yet powerful statement — "Tomorrow is the 18th" — followed by her usual slogans: "Freedom for our compatriots imprisoned for political reasons. Freedom and social justice for all Cubans."
FAQs about Alina Bárbara López and Her Protests
Why does Alina Bárbara López protest every 18th of the month?
Alina Bárbara López protests on the 18th of each month as a form of peaceful demonstration to express her discontent with the Cuban regime and to exercise her constitutional right to peaceful protest.
What charges is Alina Bárbara López facing?
López Hernández is facing charges of assault, contempt, and disobedience. The prosecution is seeking a four-year prison sentence against her.
What is the significance of the "Protest of the Thirteen" in Cuban history?
The "Protest of the Thirteen" was a significant event where poet Rubén Martínez Villena and other intellectuals interrupted an official event in 1923 to condemn government corruption, marking a notable moment of civil disobedience in Cuban history.