It's Monday noon in Cuba, and the neighborhood of La Güinera—site of the massive protests on July 11, 2021 (11J), where the only demonstrator lost his life—is buzzing with activity. Here, a local informant is sipping on a bottle of Havana Club in honor of his compatriot, Mijaín López, the epitome of what the regime calls "revolutionary sport."
Although his last name remains unknown, the loose-lipped failed spy and national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, has revealed his face and first name. This informant, Marcelino, has a "rifle" ready to enjoy the match of this sports icon and propaganda tool of the crumbling totalitarian regime.
Support for an Olympic Champion
"My brother Marcelino in La Güinera has this 'rifle' ready to enjoy Mijaín López's match. (I won't say 'when' Mijaín wins, because he already did)," boasted the narcissistic Hernández Nordelo on social media, sharing a photo of himself with his "brother" Marcelino, a neighborhood informant, and another with his idol, the Olympian firebrand, Mijaín López.
By now, after the two victories of the four-time Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling and his advance to the semifinals in Paris 2024 by defeating the current world champion, Iranian Amin Mirzazadeh, Hernández Nordelo's "brother" is likely euphoric, his bottle of Havana Club half-empty.
In the streets of La Güinera, the cheers from their ilk have likely echoed: "Viva Cuba, Quépingú and Viva Fidel!" Poor Marcelino probably left a bit of Havana Club, the shameful dregs, to call his brother Gerardito drunk and celebrate the victory. "You see, Geraldito, my friend? Mijaín is a beast! Over here, everything's calm, under control. Hey, I'm out of 'rifle' and dry for the fight because of the heat!"
And Hernández Nordelo, in full Olympic mode, dons his Adidas shirt, Nike sneakers, and Puma tracksuit, and races to La Güinera to bring another "rifle" to his patriotic brother, a dedicated fan of all the "continuity" teams, and a vigilant guardian of the "revolutionary achievements" in the humble neighborhoods.
The Olympic Gerardo doesn't forget to strap on his Rolex, grab two unbranded cigars (courtesy of his chauffeur from San Marino, Murillo), and rush over to Marcelino's house. He finds him shirtless in the street, shouting confused cheers and disoriented slogans like "Mijaín touches my soul" and similar phrases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gerardo Hernández's Support for Mijaín López
Given the context of Gerardo Hernández's support for Mijaín López and the political undertones involved, here are some frequently asked questions to provide more clarity.
Who is Gerardo Hernández Nordelo?
Gerardo Hernández Nordelo is the national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) in Cuba and a former spy.
What is the significance of the July 11, 2021 protests in La Güinera?
The July 11, 2021 protests (11J) in La Güinera were part of larger nationwide demonstrations against the Cuban government, during which the only fatality was reported in this neighborhood.
Who is Mijaín López?
Mijaín López is a Cuban Greco-Roman wrestler and a four-time Olympic champion, highly regarded as a symbol of Cuban sports excellence.