In a ceremony held in Havana, four officials from the Prosecutor General's Office of Cuba were awarded the "Abel Santamaría" Medal. This honor, recommended by the National Bureau of the Union of Young Communists (UJC) and bestowed by the ruling leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, aims to recognize their supposed "dedication, commitment, and exemplary conduct," as highlighted by the Prosecutor's Office. However, for many Cuban citizens and critical activists, these honored individuals are seen as youthful faces of a repressive regime instrumental in the criminalization of dissent and the judicial pursuit of hundreds of protesters since the events of July 11.
The recipients of this controversial accolade include Lenna Sardina Santana, head of the Criminal Processes Group in Santiago de Cuba; Javier Alejandro Bello Miranda, deputy chief prosecutor in Sancti Spíritus; José Alejandro Ginard Betancourt, also from Sancti Spíritus, leading the Criminal Processes Group; and Deyvys Concepción Rodríguez, head of IT at the Villa Clara Provincial Prosecutor's Office.
On social media, the Cuban Prosecutor's Office proudly highlighted the event, noting that the honorees participated in a series of activities in the island's capital, including a visit to the Fidel Castro Center, an official institution dedicated to promoting the ideology of the late dictator. This award ceremony takes place amid significant international criticism of Cuba's judicial system, which has been condemned by human rights organizations for its subservience to political power and its role in arbitrary proceedings against dissidents, independent journalists, and peaceful demonstrators.
Contrasting Words and Actions
In statements published on the official website of the Prosecutor's Office, Deyvys Concepción expressed that being a young communist today is "a great responsibility" and that his goal as head of the IT Department in Villa Clara is to "contribute, build, and be useful to my country." These words starkly contrast with numerous allegations regarding the use of technology to monitor and control citizen activities, as well as the manipulation of criminal processes under ideological pretenses.
Recognition for Silencing Voices
The "Abel Santamaría" Medal, intended to honor young individuals for notable achievements, was awarded to officials who have played an active role in the prosecutorial apparatus involved in the repression of hundreds of Cubans detained, tried, and sentenced for exercising their right to protest. For many, this event is nothing more than a propagandistic display aimed at glorifying figures of the regime, even when their roles have been crucial in maintaining a judicial system characterized by a lack of independence, ideological bias, and institutionalized impunity.
According to reports from Cubadebate, six distinguished groups received the Honor Flag directly from the president during the ceremony. Additionally, four Cubans were awarded the Julio Antonio Mella Order in recognition of their exceptional accomplishments.
Understanding the Controversy Surrounding Cuban Honors
What is the "Abel Santamaría" Medal?
The "Abel Santamaría" Medal is an honor awarded in Cuba to recognize young individuals for their supposed dedication, commitment, and exemplary conduct, as proposed by the Union of Young Communists.
Why is the ceremony controversial?
The ceremony is controversial because many see it as a way to glorify officials who are part of a repressive regime, instrumental in criminalizing dissent and prosecuting protesters, rather than genuinely honoring notable achievements.
What international criticism does Cuba's judicial system face?
Cuba's judicial system is criticized internationally for being subordinate to political power and for engaging in arbitrary processes against dissidents, independent journalists, and peaceful demonstrators.