The Cuban regime has heavily guarded Havana's Central Park, aiming to prevent the monthly gatherings organized by Cuban dissidents and opposition members on the 18th of each month. "The 18th of each month has become a day of terror for the tyranny. They once had the 27th, then a memorable 11th, and now it's the 18th, which they also aim to hijack along with Martí. Yes, because as we all know, they have manipulated and exploited every martyr and national date for their purposes," denounced Cuban activist Yamilka Lafita, known on social media as Lara Crofs, from her Facebook profile.
The activist shared photos of the park, showcasing police, military personnel, plainclothes State Security agents, and participants in a "spontaneous event that even the organizers couldn't explain," she said. She also stated, "The intention is clear: to prevent us from reaching Martí, to stop us from showing support for professors Alina Bárbara López Hernández and Jenny Pantoja Torres, both under house arrest for exercising their rights."
Yamilka asserted that the regime fears those who think differently and express it through protests. "Once again, it is evident the deep-seated fear of an obsolete and decaying system that spends thousands of dollars on resources to repress, silence, and control but is entirely incapable of making public services function normally," she wrote.
Regarding this July 18th, she recalled that it marks "Nelson Mandela International Day" and this year's theme, announced by the United Nations, is "The struggle against poverty and inequality is in our hands." "As a Cuban of these times, I would add: The fight for democracy and freedom in our country is in our hands," she concluded.
On June 18th of the previous month, Cuban police and State Security detained Cuban academic Alina Bárbara López Hernández, who traveled monthly from Matanzas to Havana on this date. The professor was released later that same day, and her daughter, who actively reported the case on Facebook, said that, along with Jenny Pantoja Torres, her mother had to go to the hospital to be examined for injuries inflicted by Cuban police.
Recalling the events, Alina Bárbara noted that Cuban police took advantage of two key points. First, they detained her before the Bacunayagua Bridge checkpoint, where there are cameras that record everything. Second, they aimed to involve her in a new common process that seemingly lacks political motivation.
Increased Military Presence at Havana's Central Park
In light of recent events at Havana's Central Park, here are some questions and answers to provide further clarity on the situation.
Why did the Cuban government heavily guard Havana's Central Park?
The government aimed to prevent the monthly gatherings organized by dissidents and opposition members on the 18th of each month.
What was the significance of the 18th of each month for Cuban dissidents?
The 18th has become a symbolic date for protests against the Cuban regime, following other significant dates like the 27th and the 11th.
What happened to professors Alina Bárbara López Hernández and Jenny Pantoja Torres?
Both professors were placed under house arrest for exercising their rights, and Alina Bárbara López Hernández was detained and later released after being examined for injuries inflicted by police.