Intellectual and writer Jorge Fernández Era has once again fallen victim to harassment by State Security (SE), being forced into house arrest this Sunday, as reported by human rights organizations in Cuba. Three officers from the Ministry of the Interior are preventing Fernández from leaving his home, claiming he is under "house arrest," according to a Facebook post by Cuba X Cuba.
The humorist recounted to Professor Alina Bárbara López Hernández during a phone call that he and his wife, poet Laideliz Herrera Laza, were detained by two police officers and one SE agent, the latter dressed in civilian clothes, while they were out to buy groceries. Fernández attempted to continue on his way, but the officers tried to "violently force him into the patrol car," reported Cuba X Cuba.
The struggle continued until the plainclothes agent stated they would not take him if he returned home, highlighting yet another violation of the Cuban intellectual's human rights. Both returned to their home, where they remain isolated and without internet access, the report indicated, exposing another instance of repression against Cuban civilians just days after leader Miguel Díaz-Canel claimed that such incidents do not happen on the island.
To date, Fernández has not been sentenced by any court. On the contrary, he has lodged numerous complaints with the Prosecutor's Office regarding the blatant violation of his civil rights. He has also expressed his dissatisfaction to Rogelio Polanco, head of the Ideological Department of the Central Committee of the Party, and to UNEAC. However, he has received no response in either case.
The board of directors of Cuba X Cuba, an organization with which Fernández collaborates, condemned this latest violation of the rights of an honest citizen, warning that it "adds to many others perpetrated by Cuban State/Party/Government forces." They also demanded that authorities cease the violence and harassment, arguing that these actions "violate the rights enshrined in the Constitution."
The harassment of the Cuban writer began this Saturday when he himself reported on Facebook that two SE officers had warned him not to leave his home. "They warned me that they would take me if I tried to go to Central Park today. I will do so at some point during the day, whatever the consequences, wherever they take me, whatever they imprison me for, whatever they charge me with. I am not afraid," said the activist in his post.
In 2023, more than a hundred artists and humorists stood in solidarity with Fernández, condemning the unjust harassment by SE for his collaborations with independent media. Renowned Cuban actor and humorist Osvaldo Doimeadiós sent a message expressing his solidarity and willingness to help during the difficult situation Fernández was facing at the time.
Understanding the Harassment of Cuban Writers
This section aims to address common questions about the harassment faced by writers like Jorge Fernández Era in Cuba, providing insights into the ongoing repression by State Security forces.
Why was Jorge Fernández Era placed under house arrest?
Jorge Fernández Era was placed under house arrest by State Security forces without any formal charges or trial, as part of ongoing harassment for his outspoken views and collaborations with independent media.
How has the international community reacted to the harassment of Cuban writers?
Human rights organizations and international bodies have repeatedly condemned the Cuban government's repression of dissenting voices, calling for the protection of civil rights and freedom of expression.
What actions have been taken by local organizations in response to these violations?
Local organizations like Cuba X Cuba have condemned the violations and demanded that authorities cease their harassment and respect the constitutionally enshrined rights of citizens.