The Cuban regime has disclosed details about the arrest in December 2023 of a Cuban resident in the United States who allegedly entered the country illegally with firearms and ammunition via maritime routes, following a supposed plan reportedly funded by the U.S. government.
"In December 2023, the Cuban government published in the Official Gazette of the Republic a list of individuals and entities sponsoring terrorism against Cuba; two days later, preliminary information was released about the neutralization of a new recruitment plan to execute violent actions in our country, which intended to carry out a Cuban citizen residing in the United States," reports the official Granma newspaper.
The note identifies the detainee as Ardenys García Álvarez, a Cuban who emigrated from the island in 2014. According to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), Ardenys was not acting alone; other residents in Cuba were to join him.
According to the Cuban state media version, the actions were thwarted thanks to a swift intervention by the MININT, which "neutralized" the plan and "initiated an investigative process focusing on the facts and the involved individuals."
This Monday, July 8, "Cuban Television will broadcast a special program showcasing the evidence of the terrorist plans and actions, as well as their main perpetrators," the report adds.
The referenced list designates 61 individuals and nearly 20 organizations, all Cubans residing abroad, who are under investigation for alleged terrorist activities. Those mentioned in this resolution, number 19/2023, "have been subjected to criminal investigations and are sought by Cuban authorities due to their involvement in the promotion, planning, organization, financing, support, or commission of acts materialized in national territory or other countries, in function of terrorist acts," it states.
The document indicates that the MININT claims to "have reasonable grounds and documented evidence to include these individuals and organizations in the national terrorist list, according to international and national standards."
Among those named on this list, which according to Havana has been submitted to Interpol and the U.S. government, are figures from the Cuban exile community such as Ninoska Pérez Castellón, Ramón Saúl Sánchez Rizo, Santiago Álvarez Fernández Magriñá, Orlando Gutiérrez Boronat; social media influencers like Alexander Otaola, Ana Olema, Yamila Betancourt García (known as Yamila, the daughter of Maceo), Eliecer Ávila, Liu Santiesteban, Manuel Milanés, Alain Lambert Sánchez (Paparazzi cubano), and Jorge Ramón Batista Calero (Ultrack).
The responses from those included on the list varied in tone and style, but all agreed that the regime's step would not alter their resolve to denounce the abuses of the Cuban government.
Questions Surrounding the Alleged U.S.-Funded Plot Against Cuba
This section addresses common questions and concerns regarding the recent allegations by the Cuban government about a U.S.-funded plot against the island. Here are some key points that might help clarify the situation.
Who is Ardenys García Álvarez?
Ardenys García Álvarez is a Cuban who emigrated to the United States in 2014. He was recently arrested by Cuban authorities for allegedly entering the country illegally with firearms and ammunition.
What is the MININT?
The MININT, or Ministry of the Interior, is a Cuban government agency responsible for internal security. They claim to have thwarted a recent plot involving García Álvarez and other alleged conspirators.
What is the significance of the list published by the Cuban government?
The list includes 61 individuals and nearly 20 organizations accused of sponsoring terrorism against Cuba. It has been submitted to international bodies like Interpol and the U.S. government.
How have those named on the list responded?
Responses have varied, but all those named have stated that the regime's actions will not deter them from continuing to denounce the abuses of the Cuban government.