Catholic activist Dagoberto Valdés Hernández, founder of the Center for Coexistence Studies (CEC), was interrogated this Wednesday by the State Security (SE) of Pinar del Río.
The CEC reported on Facebook that the activist was once again a victim of harassment by Cuba's political police. The post detailed that Valdés arrived at the SE headquarters in Pinar del Río at 9:00 am, as specified in the summons he received the day before.
His identity card was confiscated, and his two companions were asked to leave, the statement noted. "He waited in the reception area for over five hours before the interrogation began around 2:40 pm." Major Lázaro, from the SE, began the interrogation by asking for personal information to complete an "act of warning" that he had printed.
"The aim was to warn him about the possibility of committing six crimes outlined in the current Penal Code," the publication stated, mentioning charges such as incitement to violence, conspiracy, destabilizing international peace, and violating constitutional principles.
Additionally, Valdés was warned that there was nothing to celebrate on July 11 and 12, as the 2021 protests were deemed violent acts. The statement by the organization specified that Major Ernesto, the officer in charge of the CEC, joined the interrogation and reaffirmed the warning given to the Catholic leader on June 24 not to leave or participate in activities on July 11 and 12.
The publication stated that Valdés "categorically refused to engage in the mentioned crimes or any others and refused to sign the act." Valdés was also threatened by both officers, who warned him not to be "influenced by individuals and associations, both inside and outside Cuba, who seek to involve him in organizing acts against the government," as occurred last May when they were intercepted on the road by the police.
Both SE members argued that they were aware of "his participation in the Independence Day reception of the United States, a government that has been a historical enemy of Cuba, making this event a meeting point for people financed by the enemy to destabilize our country."
The interrogation lasted an hour and a half, and Valdés had to remain at the SE headquarters in Pinar del Río for over seven hours in total, further intimidating the religious activist. However, the CEC director inquired about the delay and was told, "the instructor was engaged in other activities."
The CEC reported on Facebook that Valdés was summoned by the police last Tuesday, and when he asked about the reasons, he was informed that an SE officer would explain. He was also warned that "if I did not show up, I would be charged with contempt."
The organization also stated that Valdés was visited by Major Ernesto on Monday, June 24, 2024, to warn him not to leave on July 11 and 12, and on Wednesday, July 3, the same officer called him to say he had been by his house and found no one, demonstrating the activist's repeated harassment and threats by the SE.
Due to his political opposition to the Cuban authoritarian regime and his intellectual and social work, Dagoberto Valdés, a resident of the western city of Pinar del Río, constantly suffers from SE harassment, arbitrary detentions, and official marginalization, noted the news site.
As part of this regime's harassment, the Catholic activist has previously been questioned by the political police. For instance, in 2023, Valdés was summoned by the SE of Pinar del Río for an interrogation. "They told me it was to issue an official warning because the Danish journalist Øjvind Kyrø, who interviewed me over 15 years ago for Vitral and visited my home two months ago, was organizing sessions with 16 people to learn more about Cuba," explained the activist after leaving the police station.
Interrogation of Dagoberto Valdés by State Security
The following questions and answers provide more context and information about the interrogation of Dagoberto Valdés by State Security in Pinar del Río.
Why was Dagoberto Valdés interrogated by State Security?
Dagoberto Valdés was interrogated for his alleged involvement in activities considered subversive by the Cuban authorities, including incitement to violence and conspiracy.
What were the charges mentioned during the interrogation?
The charges mentioned included incitement to violence, conspiracy, destabilizing international peace, and violating constitutional principles.
How long did the interrogation last?
The interrogation lasted an hour and a half, but Valdés was held at the SE headquarters for over seven hours in total.
What has been the historical context of Valdés's harassment?
Dagoberto Valdés has faced continuous harassment by the State Security due to his political opposition to the Cuban regime, intellectual work, and social activism.