The Cuban police threatened activist Raúl González this Saturday in Cienfuegos, following his release of a video exposing the sanitation crisis in his neighborhood. González recorded the threats live as a police officer arrived at his home, demanding he accompany her to the police station without a judicial order.
"They're here because I made a video about the filth in my neighborhood, which is filled with sewage water and our homes are overrun with mosquitoes," the activist explained. González noted that he has had a fever for several days and has to bring his own medications to the clinic due to a lack of medical supplies in healthcare centers.
During his protest, the repressive officer called a superior, informing them that González was recording her, and threatened to call "rescue and salvage to break down the door and enter." González stood his ground, demanding an official summons to allow entry into his home, while reiterating that the reason for such repression was his complaint about the neighborhood's sanitary conditions.
Ongoing Sanitation Crisis
On July 4th, the activist highlighted the neighborhood's collapsed drainage systems, streets flooded with sewage water, and the surge in cases of dengue and Oropouche fever.
Understanding the Sanitation and Repression Issues in Cienfuegos
To provide more clarity on the situation in Cienfuegos, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding the sanitation crisis and the repression faced by activists like Raúl González.
What prompted the police to threaten Raúl González?
The police threatened Raúl González after he released a video highlighting the severe sanitation issues in his neighborhood, including sewage water and mosquito infestations.
What are the main health concerns in González's neighborhood?
The primary health concerns in González's neighborhood include the spread of dengue and Oropouche fever due to the collapsed drainage systems and stagnant sewage water.
How did González respond to the police threats?
González remained firm, demanding an official summons for police entry into his home and reiterating that the repression was due to his sanitation complaint.