The regime led by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo has denied entry to Nicaragua for Cuban dissident Ramón Fuentes Lemes, who was sent back to the island without any explanations, highlighting the ongoing complicity between the governments of both countries.
Fuentes sold his home to purchase a ticket from Havana to Managua, with layovers in Bogotá and San Salvador. However, upon arriving in the Colombian capital, he was informed that he could not continue his journey, he recounted in statements to Cubanet. In a video posted on YouTube, the resident of the special municipality Isla de la Juventud narrated that an employee of Avianca informed him the Nicaraguan authorities had denied his entry.
Hours later, he was deported back to Cuba, where he now fears for his life. "Cubans have no rights. I don't know what might happen to me. My life is in danger, and I have nowhere to complain. The communists own this country," he stated.
He also mentioned that many people advise him to stop speaking the truth about the Cuban "nightmare," but "I can't keep my mouth shut," because "what matters most to a person, besides health, is freedom, the freedom of expression."
Fuentes aimed to cross several countries to reach the United States via the so-called "volcano route," a path chosen by thousands of his compatriots since late 2021, following the announcement of visa-free travel to Nicaragua.
"No one is going to change my mind; I will continue to be free in spirit. Long live human rights! Homeland and life and homeland and freedom!" said the dissident, who has faced three failed attempts to leave the land of his birth for good.
Just two days ago, dissident Bárbaro de Céspedes reported that State Security also prevented him from traveling to Nicaragua: "State Security has tried to make my life impossible in Cuba, for my family and me. I made the hardest decision of my life, to emigrate from this country that I love and defend. It is not out of fear of death; I no longer have a life, but to avoid causing trouble for my family," he said.
Known as "El Patriota de Camagüey," De Céspedes stated that he "contacted a person to fly to Nicaragua on June 14 in the afternoon, but after paying for his ticket, an expensive flight with several layovers, he was not allowed to board the plane."
"While on the bus heading to the airport, I received a message saying that the Nicaraguan government denied my entry to that country," he said.
De Céspedes is known for his activism and harsh criticisms of the regime. In his live broadcast on Facebook, he explained that in 2021, his daughter planned to emigrate to the United States via Nicaragua, but the Nicaraguan authorities also denied her access when she tried to board the plane.
The dissident was detained for protesting on July 11, 2021, and was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of assault, disobedience, and contempt. From prison, he sent a message declaring his innocence and steadfastness in his principles. His struggle has been supported by his family and other activists. He was released in February 2024, but State Security does not allow him to leave Cuba.
FAQs about Cuban Dissidents and Nicaraguan Entry Denials
In light of the recent incidents involving Cuban dissidents denied entry to Nicaragua, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why was Ramón Fuentes denied entry to Nicaragua?
Ramón Fuentes was denied entry to Nicaragua by the Nicaraguan authorities without any specific explanations, indicating possible political motivations and complicity with the Cuban government.
What is the "volcano route"?
The "volcano route" is a path taken by many Cuban migrants to reach the United States, passing through several countries in Central America, including Nicaragua.
Who is Bárbaro de Céspedes?
Bárbaro de Céspedes, also known as "El Patriota de Camagüey," is a Cuban dissident and activist known for his strong criticisms of the Cuban government. He has faced multiple attempts to emigrate, all thwarted by the authorities.