The Cuban dissident Julio César Góngora, who suffered harassment and threats from the State Security in Cuba, arrived in Miami this Wednesday through a humanitarian visa.
"Julio César Góngora, the Cuban activist, arrives in Miami with a humanitarian visa," reported journalist Rolando Nápoles on the social media platform X.
According to Nápoles, the dissident is in the United States "to treat an open wound that, according to his claims, the regime refused to operate on."
Last April, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) decided to grant precautionary measures to Góngora because "his rights to life and personal integrity are at serious risk," denounced the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH) on the social media platform X.
At that time, the OCDH requested "support from the U.S. authorities in a humanitarian effort in favor of the activist."
Góngora, originally from Pinar del Río, was threatened in 2023 by Cuban State Security with initiating a criminal process against him in retaliation for his constant criticism of the Castro regime.
The OCDH posted on X that the activist and human rights defender "was interrogated in his own home by agents of the dictatorship. They threatened to open a legal process against him, accusing him of contempt and incitement to delinquency."
Frequently Asked Questions about Julio César Góngora's Humanitarian Visa
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Julio César Góngora's arrival in Miami and the humanitarian visa that facilitated his departure from Cuba.
Why did Julio César Góngora need a humanitarian visa?
Julio César Góngora needed a humanitarian visa to seek medical treatment for an open wound that the Cuban regime allegedly refused to operate on. Additionally, he faced threats and harassment from State Security in Cuba.
Who supported Góngora's request for precautionary measures?
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) granted precautionary measures to Julio César Góngora, recognizing that his rights to life and personal integrity were at serious risk. The Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH) also supported his case and called for U.S. authorities to aid in this humanitarian effort.
What kind of threats did Góngora face in Cuba?
Góngora was threatened by Cuban State Security with the initiation of a criminal process against him. He was accused of contempt and incitement to delinquency in retaliation for his persistent criticisms of the Castro regime.