The Cuban regime has barred Roberto Álvarez, a well-known opposition figure, from entering the country to visit his sick father. Despite having boarded the plane, Álvarez was removed at the last minute and left stranded.
The incident occurred on June 28 at Miami International Airport, just as Álvarez was about to depart on Eastern Air Express flight 2211, scheduled for 11:45 am to Santa Clara. Álvarez told América TeVe that he was already seated when the captain and a flight attendant approached him to inform him that the Cuban government had denied him entry. The airline had received the notice in response to a passenger list sent to the island before departure.
"All I said to them was, 'Why do you do business with dictatorships then, because you are the ones who have to face us,'" Álvarez recounted.
The activist was heading to Manicaragua, Villa Clara, planning to stay in Cuba for just two days. He had booked the flight urgently after learning about his father's grave condition. Álvarez even had a document from the Ministry of Transport permitting his entry into the country.
Álvarez is the founder of the Democracy Movement in Cuba, led by Ramón Saúl Sánchez. While he successfully traveled to Cuba in December to visit his father without hindrance, he faced a similar denial in 2006 when he attempted to visit his mother. On that occasion, he was turned back to Miami after arriving in Havana.
Saúl Sánchez views this latest violation of Álvarez's rights as retaliation for the Democracy Movement's activism, especially with the third anniversary of the 11J protests approaching.
The travel agency Travel a Lot Services refunded Álvarez for his ticket but declined to make public statements about the case.
Roberto Álvarez's Travel Ban: Key Questions Answered
This section addresses common questions and provides insightful answers regarding the travel ban imposed on Roberto Álvarez by the Cuban government.
Why was Roberto Álvarez denied entry to Cuba?
Roberto Álvarez was denied entry by the Cuban government due to his opposition activities and affiliation with the Democracy Movement, led by Ramón Saúl Sánchez.
Did Roberto Álvarez have the necessary documents to enter Cuba?
Yes, Álvarez had a permit from the Ministry of Transport allowing him entry into Cuba.
Has Roberto Álvarez faced similar issues in the past?
Yes, in 2006, Álvarez was also denied entry when he attempted to visit his mother. He was turned back to Miami after arriving in Havana.