Richard Tur de la Concepción, who serves as the first secretary of Cuba's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, has been added to the list of Cuban Human Rights Violators maintained by the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba (FHRC). This inclusion follows an altercation where Tur allegedly assaulted a U.S. official inside the United Nations premises.
FHRC representative Luis Domínguez informed Martí Noticias about Tur's addition to the database, which identifies individuals involved in acts of repression and human rights abuses linked to the Cuban government.
An Incident at the United Nations
The incident that led to Tur's inclusion on the list occurred during the annual General Assembly debate on the U.S. embargo against Cuba. Tur reportedly struck J. P. Freire, spokesperson for U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz, and attempted to seize his phone while Freire was recording Cuban delegation protests.
Family Ties and Diplomatic Background
According to Martí Noticias and the FHRC, Tur comes from a lineage deeply embedded within Cuba's diplomatic-intelligence framework. His father, Ricardo Tur Novo, is identified as an officer of the Cuban Intelligence Department MII, having operated under diplomatic cover in Latin America and the Caribbean. His intelligence alias was "Roger," named after one of his sons.
A close family member shared with Martí Noticias that the Tur family frequently traveled. "Ricardo Tur worked at the State Security building in Línea and A, Vedado. They often returned from trips with goods, and the children were accustomed to foreign products like Coca-Cola over local sodas," the relative recounted.
Career and Personal Connections
Born in Havana on August 31, 1993, Richard studied at the Lenin School and the Higher Institute of International Relations "Raúl Roa García" (ISRI). He worked within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Multilateral Affairs Directorate from 2017 to 2021, before joining the UN as second secretary and later advancing to first secretary in January 2024.
His wife, Dalia Marlen Torres Seara, also holds a diplomatic position as second secretary at the same Cuban mission to the UN. Meanwhile, his brother Dany Tur de la Concepción is listed as a counselor at the Cuban Embassy in Canada, according to the Quebec Government's official directory, updated shortly before the incident.
Diplomatic Fallout
Domínguez described the family's tight-knit nature, stating, "They are the elite because they protect one another for the benefits."
Mike Waltz accused Tur of attempting to pressure UN personnel to silence the U.S. delegation's microphones, an action he claimed breached the host country agreement governing diplomatic missions at the UN.
The U.S. response was swift, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio signing documents to expel Tur from the country. Waltz announced on Fox News that Tur would be on a flight back to Havana within 24 hours.
In contrast, the Cuban government offered a different narrative. In a letter dated Tuesday and released Wednesday, Cuban Ambassador Ernesto Soberón accused Freire of harassing Tur and continuing to record him despite objections, seeking intervention from the UN's security and legal affairs offices.
This controversy arises at a critical time for Tur, as Cuba had nominated him for the UN's Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) for the 2027-2029 term, with elections scheduled for November 2026. As of the article's conclusion, his candidacy had not been formally withdrawn.
Frequently Asked Questions about Richard Tur's Incident at the UN
Who is Richard Tur de la Concepción?
Richard Tur de la Concepción is the first secretary of Cuba's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. He was recently involved in a controversial incident at the UN.
What led to Richard Tur being added to the list of Human Rights Violators?
Richard Tur was added to the list of Human Rights Violators after allegedly assaulting a U.S. official during a session at the United Nations.
What was the U.S. response to the incident involving Richard Tur?
The U.S. reacted by expelling Richard Tur from the country, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio signing the necessary documents for his removal.