The Cuban political police have summoned Lisandra Rivera Rodríguez to appear before State Security in the city of Santiago de Cuba after a video of her son openly criticizing the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel went viral on social media. "Two sector chiefs just came to my house to tell me that I've been summoned by State Security to the third unit, known as La Motorizada," Rivera announced on Facebook.
The young mother, an opponent of the Cuban regime and a former political prisoner, recently posted a video on Facebook in which her four-year-old son harshly criticizes Díaz-Canel, "telling the truth" to the leader. In the video, the boy expressed his family's discontent: "Canel, you have no dignity or sense," "because of your poor leadership, I'd pay not to see you," and "I'd pay to hide you," were among the phrases he used. This incident comes amid a politically tense climate in Cuba, where freedom of expression and the government's response to criticism are sensitive issues.
Rivera's situation exemplifies the challenges families face when expressing their opinions in the country. Regarding the young mother's summons, independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta stated on Facebook: "I demand an end to the harassment of Cuban opposition families. We will keep an eye on everything," suggesting that Rivera could face continued harassment from the Cuban political police in the coming days.
In its effort to silence citizens, the regime commits all kinds of abuses. In 2023, the daughter of Cuban opponents Marisol Peña Cobas and José Luis Acosta, a seven-year-old girl, was taken from her school and interrogated by officers of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) in Camagüey, without her parents present. "Summoned like this, suddenly, without warning," said the opposer in a video, explaining that the reason was "for not teaching her daughter to love the revolution."
That same year, social media users shared a complaint about police abuse against a 14-year-old girl in the city of Holguín. "Somewhere in Cuba, repression against the people continues; this time, agents beat and violate the rights of a 14-year-old minor," stated a Twitter user identified as Luciana, who shared a video showing two police officers, a man and a woman, confronting a person who defended the minor.
Key Issues Surrounding Freedom of Expression in Cuba
In light of recent events, several questions arise regarding the status of freedom of expression and the treatment of dissent in Cuba. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why was Lisandra Rivera Rodríguez summoned by the police?
Lisandra Rivera Rodríguez was summoned by the Cuban political police after a video of her four-year-old son criticizing the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel went viral on social media.
What are the implications of Rivera's situation for other Cuban families?
Rivera's situation highlights the risks and challenges that Cuban families face when expressing dissenting opinions, including potential harassment and abuses by the regime.
How does the Cuban regime respond to criticism?
The Cuban regime often responds to criticism with harassment, intimidation, and abuse, as seen in various incidents involving families and minors.
Are there other recent examples of repression in Cuba?
Yes, other examples include the interrogation of a seven-year-old girl in Camagüey and the abuse of a 14-year-old girl in Holguín by police officers.