In the town of El Cobre, situated in Santiago de Cuba, numerous residents took to the streets on Saturday to demand the release of Yoel Alejandro Pérez Serrano, a young activist apprehended at dawn by State Security special forces. The operation involved the seizure of food, cell phones, and other belongings from his home in the community of Guamuta.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared images and videos showing protesters chanting "Freedom for Yoel!" in the streets of the municipality, which is home to the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, Cuba's patron saint.
Heavy-Handed Raid Draws Criticism
According to a report by opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer García, founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), armed agents arrived around 6 a.m. with long guns. "They stormed in with heavily armed black berets... sealed off the neighborhood, allowing no one in or out, ransacked the house, took phones, confiscated food, pots, jewelry—everything," Ferrer recounted during a live broadcast from abroad.
Authorities also blocked access to Guamuta to prevent residents from showing solidarity with the detained activist. Ferrer stated that officials told those attempting to pass that "worms were not allowed" to enter.
Uncertain Fate and Community Leadership
The Cuban authorities have not publicly disclosed Pérez Serrano's whereabouts or the formal charges against him. He was well-regarded in Guamuta for leading the humanitarian project "Save Cuba," which provided at least one meal per day, Monday through Friday, to the elderly, malnourished children, the sick, and vulnerable families. This initiative was supported by UNPACU and the Cuban Resistance Assembly. He also advocated for constructing a community medical clinic and dining hall, earning him the nickname "the mayor of Guamuta."
Ferrer emphasized that Pérez Serrano spent 12 to 14 hours daily on his humanitarian work: "The regime uses its military forces to suppress a peaceful, noble, and generous man who sacrifices himself to help the people."
Journalist José Raúl Gallego disclosed that a week before his arrest, Pérez Serrano had sent videos of his activities, urging him to publish them "if something happened," suggesting he anticipated potential retaliation.
Activism and Repression
Pérez Serrano's history of activism includes confronting Miguel Díaz-Canel in November 2025 during an official visit to El Cobre following Hurricane Melissa, accusing him of neglecting the disaster victims with the remark, "no one has come to Guamuta."
In July 2026, he staged a public protest barefoot and clad in underwear with a white sheet inscribed with the words "Freedom," "Democracy," "Justice," and "Dignity." Shortly after, authorities summoned him, which opponents viewed as retaliatory.
The arrest occurs amidst increasing pressure on the community. The day before, mothers in Guamuta reported threats of fines for not sending their hungry children to school. Additionally, Karel Daniel Hernández Bosques from "Outside the Box Cuba" was detained on Friday, allegedly for posting critical videos online.
Mayeta Labrada demanded answers regarding the absence of official information: "We demand clarity on Yoel's location, his condition, and the justification for his detention. Organizing independently and helping the most vulnerable is not a crime."
Pressing Questions on Yoel Pérez's Situation
What led to Yoel Pérez Serrano's arrest?
Yoel Pérez Serrano was arrested in a raid by State Security forces, involving the seizure of personal belongings, but the specific charges have not been disclosed by Cuban authorities.
What is "Save Cuba" and who supported it?
"Save Cuba" is a humanitarian project led by Yoel Pérez Serrano, aimed at providing daily meals to vulnerable groups. It received support from UNPACU and the Cuban Resistance Assembly.
How have the local authorities responded to the protests?
Local authorities have blocked access to the area to prevent residents from showing solidarity with Yoel Pérez Serrano, referring to protestors derogatorily as "worms."