Renowned Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugás did not hide his frustration following Oniel Bebeshito's concert in Miami, where thousands of attendees chanted "Sufre Otaola," referring to presenter Alexander Otaola. Through a video and a social media post, Ugás questioned the Cuban community's lack of commitment to fundamental causes of freedom and justice, urging for collective reflection.
"I was watching the concert and thinking how it's possible that so many Cubans, 20,000 Cubans, gather and have a moment for El Taiger, rest in peace, but nothing for our political prisoners, for our common causes. Not even ten seconds for that," Ugás expressed with clear indignation.
The boxer highlighted the contradiction among many attendees who, having fled the Cuban dictatorship, now focus their energies on internal rivalries instead of the fight against the regime that forced them to emigrate. "How is it possible that people who fled the dictatorship, people likely fighting their case with an immigration judge, shout against an influencer and not against the communist system that made them leave?" he emphasized.
In his message, Yordenis Ugás also lamented what he sees as a lost opportunity to advocate for the more than a thousand political prisoners still jailed in Cuba. “Fidel and Raúl killed thousands, enslaved a nation for over 60 years. Now Canel, with blood on his hands, has more than 1,000 political prisoners, expelled most or all those at that concert, and their families are struggling, lacking electricity, medicine, food. And guess what... 20,000 Cubans gather with all this, and what do they do? They shout against someone from exile,” he wrote.
“A people who hate an influencer more than a communist regime and dictatorship cannot be free," he asserted to conclude the video. Ugás wrapped up his reflection with a quote from José Martí: "When it comes to freedom, everything to the fire, even art, to fuel the flame," and reiterated his commitment to the cause of freedom for Cuba. "God, Country, Life, Freedom," he concluded.
Key Questions on Yordenis Ugás' Stance
What did Yordenis Ugás criticize about the concert attendees?
Yordenis Ugás criticized the attendees for focusing their energy on internal rivalries instead of advocating for political prisoners and against the Cuban regime.
Why does Ugás feel disappointed about the concert event?
Ugás feels disappointed because the gathering of 20,000 Cubans did not take the opportunity to show solidarity with political prisoners or address the Cuban dictatorship's impact.
What does Ugás say about José Martí in his message?
Ugás concludes his message with a quote from José Martí, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing freedom above all to fuel the fight against oppression.