In a recent official event at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana, Colonel José Marco Rubinos, once the head of Department 21 of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), disclosed a pivotal doctrine of the Cuban repressive apparatus: the refusal to acknowledge the existence of an authentic Cuban counter-revolution. "There is no counter-revolution that originates from our country, from our people," he stated. He further elaborated that, "The counter-revolution is formed, financed, subsidized, directed, conceived, and manipulated from the United States," addressing an audience that included Miguel Díaz-Canel and top MININT officials during a meeting held on March 26, broadcasted via the pro-government YouTube channel Desde La Presidencia.
Rubinos emphasized that this perspective was ingrained through direct practice with the "Commander in Chief" and years of operational experience within the MININT. "We participated in several exchanges with the Commander Chief who led that confrontation," he recounted, illustrating that the repression of dissent has been a meticulously planned and executed State policy from the highest levels of power.
The colonel pointedly remarked that the battle against the counter-revolution is essentially a confrontation with their main adversary, the Americans. He also noted that this struggle is not the responsibility of a single department: "This confrontation is carried out by the entire Ministry of the Interior team, unified like a sledgehammer to face the enemy."
Furthermore, Rubinos underscored the critical role played by the Cuban youth within the State's repressive machinery: "The strength of the confrontation lies in those officers, most of whom are young, like the ones we have here, and it is truly where the strength of our Ministry resides," he asserted.
Identifying himself as part of the "intermediate generation" of State Security, Rubinos explained that this group was shaped "since the revolution" and learned from the "principal leaders" of the repressive apparatus. He concluded his speech with a phrase laden with military rhetoric: "We are on the edge, ready to fight whatever is necessary."
The colonel's remarks came in a context where Díaz-Canel claimed that Cuba's State Security is "efficient, respected, and envied" worldwide, a statement that has sparked criticism and ridicule both within and outside the island.
The MININT's machinery has been repeatedly condemned by international bodies for the systematic persecution of journalists, activists, and dissidents. Organizations like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Cuban non-governmental groups have consistently denounced Cuban State Security for its role in the repression during the 11J protests, the persecution of independent journalists, and arbitrary detentions. Despite this, the regime persists in cloaking this repressive structure with a veneer of heroism and revolutionary loyalty.
Social media erupted following the speech: "It's not courage; it's fear they've instilled in the people. And that is not something to admire, but to denounce," commented one user.
Key Aspects of Cuba's Repressive Apparatus
What is the main doctrine of Cuba's State Security as revealed by Colonel Rubinos?
Colonel Rubinos revealed that a core doctrine of Cuba's State Security is the refusal to acknowledge the existence of a genuine Cuban counter-revolution, asserting that any such movement is manipulated from the United States.
How did Rubinos describe the role of the youth in Cuba's repressive system?
Rubinos highlighted that the youth play a crucial role in the state's repressive machinery, with young officers being the backbone of the Ministry of the Interior's strength.
How has the international community reacted to Cuba's repressive tactics?
International organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have condemned Cuba's State Security for systematic repression, including during the 11J protests, and have criticized the persecution of journalists and dissidents.