Leonardo Romero Negrín, a young Cuban, was apprehended on Tuesday afternoon for engaging in a peaceful protest at Central Park in Havana, according to reports from his family and friends. Photos shared on Facebook show Leonardo, unarmed and holding a blank sign, expressing his dissatisfaction in a silent yet powerful manner.
In a post, Lisbeth Moya González revealed that Leonardo was intercepted and beaten during his arrest. "Protesting in Cuba today is a monumental act of dignity. Leo is not alone. We are all keeping an eye on him. Tonight, we won't sleep and the longer this drags on, the more pressure we will apply. Free Leo now!" Moya urged, calling for solidarity and action against repression.
After being held at the Dragones police station and following pressure from Leonardo’s supporters, the regime decided to release him. However, he was charged and placed under house arrest, despite not committing any crime, merely exercising a universal right, as noted by Miryorly García. García further demanded an investigation into the incidents where the young man was beaten and sustained hand injuries, insisting that Leonardo be left alone, warning: "How long will we continue to tolerate these abuses?"
Raymar Aguado Hernández also documented the dictatorship's abuses against the young man on Facebook. Leonardo’s arrest highlights the current tensions in Cuba, where even symbolic acts of dissent, like holding a blank sign, challenge the authorities.
Leonardo Romero’s Stand Against the Regime
In 2022, Leonardo Romero Negrín announced his departure from the University of Havana, where he was studying for a degree in Physics, declaring he would not be complicit in the events unfolding in Cuba. At that time, Romero Negrín asserted that remaining silent cannot be the solution, fully aware of the consequences his decision might have for himself and his family, now exposed to the regime's reprisals.
He explained that his decision to leave the educational institution "is merely a reminder to the university community that youth is the most valuable asset a society possesses," and expressed gratitude to those who spoke out without fear of repression, harassment, and intimidation by State Security.
Before deciding to abandon his studies, in May 2021, Romero was also briefly jailed after taking to the streets with a sign calling for an end to repression on Obispo Street. The young man joined other Cubans demanding the lifting of the police siege in San Isidro and the right to see political prisoner and artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, who was in critical health after a seven-day hunger and thirst strike.
FAQs on Cuba's Repression and Peaceful Protests
Who is Leonardo Romero Negrín?
Leonardo Romero Negrín is a young Cuban activist known for his peaceful protests against the Cuban regime. He was a student at the University of Havana before leaving to protest the government’s actions.
What happened to Leonardo during his recent protest?
Leonardo was detained by police in Havana while protesting with a blank sign. He was reportedly beaten and later released, but charged and placed under house arrest.
Why did Leonardo leave the University of Havana?
Leonardo left the University of Havana to protest against the Cuban regime, stating that he could not remain complicit in the ongoing events and that silence was not an option.
What does Leonardo’s protest symbolize?
Leonardo’s protest with a blank sign serves as a powerful symbol of dissent against the Cuban authorities, highlighting the oppressive nature of the regime and the courage required to stand against it.