Kenny Fernández Delgado, a Cuban priest, reported being threatened by agents of Cuba's State Security after inviting followers to participate in a family prayer event in parks across all cities for both Cuba and Venezuela this Saturday, August 3rd, starting at 10:00 AM.
"Around 9:45 p.m., nearly an hour ago, an Immigration official called me for an appointment at 19 and K at exactly 10:00 a.m. Later, a Lieutenant Colonel called to warn that there would be consequences if I did not attend. No matter what happens to me, we will all be united in prayer," the Cuban priest wrote on his profile on the social network X.
In the same post, he emphasized that "this call to prayer does not depend on me at all, but on each person's conscience. And I also say that I am willing to follow Jesus Christ: Until the End!"
A bit later, from his own profile, Fernández Delgado reaffirmed his commitment to his call. "In every city, in every park. And no matter what happens, count on my prayer and that of the Cubans," he declared.
Public Prayer and Freedom
On Thursday, the priest stated via Facebook that "praying in a park is not prohibited" and invited everyone to join in prayer "without signs, without slogans, without any leader other than Jesus Christ, and above all, without fear."
The call to prayer includes flexibility for each person to pray in their own way, whether in silence or using known prayers like the rosary.
"Jesus Christ will help us if we ask with faith," the priest affirmed, using the hashtag #OremosEnFamilia to promote the initiative.
Fernández Delgado's call was scheduled for the same day when thousands of Venezuelans mobilized, both inside and outside the country, in massive protests against the alleged electoral fraud perpetrated by Nicolás Maduro in the recent elections.
The protests, held in various cities around the world this Saturday, aim to denounce the lack of transparency and demand recognition of the true winner, Edmundo González.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado addressed thousands of demonstrators who gathered at Las Mercedes square in Caracas, despite increasing repression, conveying a message of hope and resistance.
Despite the strong protests and allegations of fraud by the opposition, the National Electoral Council (CNE) of Venezuela confirmed on Friday the victory of Nicolás Maduro in the past Sunday's elections with 96.87% of the votes counted.
Countries like the United States, Costa Rica, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, and Uruguay have recognized González as the legitimate president-elect of the nation.
FAQs on Public Prayer and State Security Threats
In light of the circumstances surrounding the public prayer event organized by Kenny Fernández Delgado and the subsequent threats from State Security, we address some frequently asked questions to provide clarity on the situation.
What is the reason behind the public prayer event organized by Kenny Fernández Delgado?
The public prayer event is intended to bring together families in parks across cities to pray for both Cuba and Venezuela, showing solidarity and seeking divine intervention during challenging times.
Why did the State Security threaten Kenny Fernández Delgado?
State Security likely sees the public prayer event as a potential act of dissent or a gathering that could incite opposition to the government, prompting them to issue threats to deter participation.
How are international communities reacting to the situation in Venezuela?
Several countries, including the United States, Costa Rica, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, and Uruguay, have recognized Edmundo González as the legitimate president-elect, rejecting the electoral results declared by Nicolás Maduro's regime.