Cuban intellectuals Jorge Fernández Era and Alina Bárbara López Hernández have once again fallen victim to harassment by the State Security (SE) forces, following their separate detentions this past Sunday, as reported on social media platforms.
"Writer Jorge Fernández Era is currently missing after being detained on Sunday morning by State Security and officers from the National Revolutionary Police as he was leaving his home in Havana. The arrest occurred after he announced on Facebook that he would stage a peaceful protest on August 18th in front of the José Martí monument in Central Park," reported the independent media outlet La Hora de Cuba.
Meanwhile, academic Alina Bárbara was detained after demonstrating in front of the Provincial Party headquarters in Matanzas in solidarity with Fernández Era. She is now being held at the La Playa Police Station in Matanzas, according to her Facebook profile.
Although the exact reasons for Alina Bárbara's detention remain unclear, family members have indicated a "violation of her house arrest." Just hours before her demonstration, she mentioned on her profile that she had spoken with Laideliz Herrera Laza, the wife of Jorge Fernández Era, who still had no information on her husband's whereabouts as he had not been allowed to make a call to reassure her.
Bárbara had also warned that "if he is not released within an hour, I will lie down at the entrance of the Provincial Committee of the Party of Matanzas, which they say guides and is above society and the state."
The civic think tank CubaXCuba condemned the criminalization of dissent and the "violation of constitutional rights to peaceful protest" of Alina and Jorge by the Cuban State and its repressive forces.
They demanded the "immediate release of both intellectuals, who are being harassed by State Security in blatant violation of even the current Cuban legislation." On the 18th of each month, Alina alongside other Cuban activists, has been peacefully protesting since March 18, 2023, at Liberty Park in Matanzas, against the repressive situation in Cuba.
She chose this date to honor the Protest of the Thirteen, which took place on March 18, 1923, where a group of young Cuban intellectuals demonstrated against government corruption on the Island.
However, the Cuban regime has viewed these protests unfavorably and has sought to suppress them by all means, including repression against the demonstrators.
Key Questions About the Detention of Jorge Fernández Era and Alina Bárbara López
To provide more clarity on this troubling situation, we have compiled some key questions and answers regarding the arbitrary detention of Jorge Fernández Era and Alina Bárbara López.
Why were Jorge Fernández Era and Alina Bárbara López detained?
Jorge Fernández Era was detained after announcing a peaceful protest on Facebook. Alina Bárbara López was detained after showing solidarity with Fernández Era and demonstrating in front of the Provincial Party headquarters in Matanzas.
Where are Jorge Fernández Era and Alina Bárbara López being held?
Jorge Fernández Era's current whereabouts are unknown following his detention. Alina Bárbara López is being held at the La Playa Police Station in Matanzas.
What actions have been taken to demand their release?
CubaXCuba and other civic organizations have condemned the detentions and demanded the immediate release of both intellectuals, citing violations of constitutional rights and Cuban legislation.