On Wednesday, Cuban authorities apprehended several activists who were advocating for a humanitarian visa for a young boy named Damir Ortiz Ramírez outside the United States Embassy in Havana. Idelisa Diasniurka Salcedo Verdecia, a prominent voice on social media, brought attention to these events.
"From Avenida G to the tribune, every corner and the vicinity of the embassy is heavily guarded by police and security forces. They have also detained Lara Crofs (whose real name is Yamilka Laffita) and Daniela," Salcedo shared on Facebook.
Despite the oppressive presence of law enforcement, Salcedo emphasized the activists' determination to persist in their efforts to secure the child's life. "We anticipated this would happen, but it had to be done because Damir wants to live, and we will do everything necessary. Because where there is a will, there is a way!" she declared.
Amelia Calzadilla, another activist reportedly in contact with Laffita, reported via Facebook that she had managed to reach the area near the U.S. Embassy in Havana. "Lara Crofs is already in the embassy's vicinity to advocate for prioritizing the humanitarian visa for Damir," she wrote.
In her final Facebook post, Laffita highlighted the intense presence of regime forces: "Police are stationed from Avenida G to the tribune, surveilling every corner around the embassy."
Earlier, Laffita and other human rights advocates openly challenged the Cuban regime by announcing their intention to head to the U.S. Embassy in Cuba to demand a humanitarian visa for Damir. Previously, Laffita had called for a protest on Wednesday outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana, urging the expedited granting of a visa to facilitate Damir's medical transfer to the United States.
Lara had encouraged fellow citizens to gather at 10:00 a.m. in the public area near the diplomatic mission to press for urgent action on Damir's case. A hospital in the United States was prepared to treat the child, who suffers from neurofibromatosis type 1 and has a plexiform neurofibroma affecting his right eye.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Embassy in Havana had denied the humanitarian visa application for Damir, citing the absence of necessary documentation from Cuba's Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP).
Understanding the Humanitarian Visa Situation for Damir
Why was the humanitarian visa for Damir Ortiz Ramírez initially denied?
The U.S. Embassy in Havana denied the visa due to the lack of required documentation from the Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP).
What medical condition does Damir suffer from?
Damir is diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 and has a plexiform neurofibroma in his right eye.
What actions are activists taking to support Damir's case?
Activists are organizing protests and gathering near the U.S. Embassy in Havana to demand a humanitarian visa for Damir, ensuring his medical treatment in the United States.