More than 220 individuals, including prominent figures such as Argentine musician Fito Páez and Cuban writer Leonardo Padura, have signed a letter condemning police violence against professor Alina Bárbara López Hernández and anthropologist Jenny Pantoja. Both intellectuals, co-directors of CubaXCuba - Laboratorio de Pensamiento Cívico, were victims of police aggression while traveling from Matanzas to Havana on April 18, resulting in injuries to López Hernández.
The signatories asserted that "the use of force, the criminalization of dissent, and imprisonment do not solve our real problems. All Cubans have the right to propose ideas to overcome this crisis." They also expressed solidarity with the numerous Cubans recently prosecuted and imprisoned for exercising constitutional rights such as freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The Role of Cuban Artists and Intellectuals
The letter emphasizes the responsibility of Cuban artists and intellectuals in addressing social issues, highlighting that culture is the realm where these problems should be tackled and resolved. Among the signatories are musicians, writers, actors, journalists, essayists, art curators, filmmakers, sociologists, doctors, engineers, digital creators, professors, social activists, relatives of political prisoners, and retirees, both Cuban and foreign, underscoring the civic nature of the denunciation beyond ideological stances.
Initially, the complaint was signed by nine personalities from the Cuban film industry, including directors Fernando Pérez and Ernesto Daranas, and actor Luis Alberto García Novoa. They were later joined by Páez and Padura, as well as other figures such as actors Héctor Noas and Jorge Molina, National Prize for Plastic Arts Lázaro Saavedra, and writers Amilkar Feria Flores and Carlos Manuel Álvarez.
The letter concludes by stressing that "we do not need heroes; we need the civic space to which every Cuban citizen is entitled," reflecting an urgent call to protect civil rights and freedom of expression in Cuba.
The "Alina Affair" and Civil Society's Response
On April 18, Cuban academic and activist Alina Bárbara López Hernández was arbitrarily detained while traveling from Matanzas to Havana. A brief post on her Facebook profile, apparently written by her daughter Cecilia Borroto López, stated that "my mom was detained at the Bacunayagua checkpoint."
Immediately, and as has been happening for years with writers and intellectuals linked to the dissident sector of the publication La Joven Cuba, several activists and relatives of political prisoners denounced what they considered an outrage against López Hernández and demanded her release.
Based in Matanzas, the academic was taken to trial last November for the alleged crime of "disobedience" after she went to the central park of that city in April 2023 with a sign demanding the release of writer and journalist Jorge Fernández Era. Following the trial, López Hernández was found guilty and sentenced by the Matanzas Municipal Court to pay a fine.
After the uproar caused by her detention, the State Security revealed images of López Hernández's arrest in an attempt to discredit the prominent Cuban academic. The Facebook profile "Atenea Matancera," linked to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), published a video showing López Hernández inside a police patrol car, banging on the door in protest and demanding the officers take her to the station.
Shortly after, the academic lodged a formal complaint with the Matanzas Military Court against the police officers and State Security agents who arbitrarily detained her and caused her injuries. The 58-year-old academic stated, "As a victim, I can be part of the process and appoint a lawyer, which I will do."
"I was diagnosed with a right humeral dislocation (right shoulder sprain) immobilized with a sling and a subluxation in the thumb of my left hand, which was immobilized with a cast for 21 days," she revealed. "I was given a medical certificate for 30 days. All this is the result of the police brutality exercised on me yesterday."
In another post, the professor detailed the violence inflicted on her by the police when she refused to enter the patrol car without a reasonable motive, emphasizing that she would never stop defending herself in any situation where she is physically assaulted.
"I asked for an explanation for the detention, and the officers pushed me, hit me on the head and arms to get me into the car; even one of them (who was the rudest and repeatedly told me, 'shut up already, girl!') took advantage when they managed to get me into the car and I was immobilized to slap me. She was very angry, and said several times that her cell phone had fallen to the ground during the struggle," Alina recounted.
"I responded to each blow as best as I could, which I believe was quite substantial, although they were three against one. I have visible bruises, and my right shoulder is in poor condition because two of the officers twisted my arm behind my back with all their strength while I was lying immobilized in the back seat. Their purpose: to snatch my purse to take the phone I had," she added.
Understanding Police Violence and Civil Rights in Cuba
This section aims to address key questions and provide answers regarding the recent police violence against Cuban intellectuals and the broader implications for civil rights in Cuba.
What triggered the petition against police violence in Cuba?
The petition was triggered by the police aggression against professor Alina Bárbara López Hernández and anthropologist Jenny Pantoja while they were traveling from Matanzas to Havana, which resulted in injuries to López Hernández.
Who are some notable signatories of the petition?
Prominent figures such as Argentine musician Fito Páez, Cuban writer Leonardo Padura, directors Fernando Pérez and Ernesto Daranas, and National Prize for Plastic Arts winner Lázaro Saavedra are among the signatories.
What legal actions did Alina Bárbara López Hernández take following her detention?
Following her detention, Alina Bárbara López Hernández filed a formal complaint with the Matanzas Military Court against the police officers and State Security agents who detained her and caused her injuries.
What injuries did Alina Bárbara López Hernández sustain during her detention?
Alina Bárbara López Hernández suffered a right humeral dislocation, a sprain in her right shoulder, and a subluxation in the thumb of her left hand, which required immobilization and medical treatment.