State Security Targets Mother of Activists Ariel and Omara Ruiz Urquiola with Animal Seizure in Viñales

In a troubling incident of harassment, Cuba’s State Security has once again targeted the mother of well-known activists Ariel and Omara Ruiz Urquiola. Authorities stormed her property in Viñales, located in the Pinar del Río province, and seized her livestock under the guise of administrative procedures, aided by civilians aligned with the regime.

Omara publicly exposed the incident, revealing that state agents broke into the property, informing her mother that "this land belongs to Viñales Park" before confiscating the animals. Among the seized livestock were a cow and calf named Natividad and Nacho, forcibly relocated to a local farmer's residence.

“Natividad and Nacho were taken after breaking through fences and moved to the home of ‘el niño Dopico,’ a collaborator in this disgrace, who claims he doesn’t want compensation for the ‘damage,’” Omara detailed on Facebook.

Isabel, the mother of Ariel and Omara, attempted to reclaim the animals, hoping to appeal to the farmer's sense of decency. Nonetheless, he later revealed his agreement with Carlos Fleitas, described by Omara as “the chief enforcer” at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Livestock Division in Viñales, to facilitate another seizure with “two other henchmen” the following day.

“He fabricated damage claims on barren land, clearly not seeking any reparations,” the activist expressed with frustration.

Omara perceives this incident as a continuation of historical practices of plundering and humiliating independent farmers and dissidents, drawing parallels to the Castro family’s origins in Birán. “This is the legacy of the Castro family over six decades, repeating what Ángel Castro did in Birán: stealing. After all these years, they've come full circle. They can’t create; they only amplify human misery,” she wrote.

The attack is not merely a material loss. As Omara highlighted, it’s a punitive measure against a woman who has educated generations and remains a cornerstone of dignity for the family. “Jealous of her intelligence, honesty, and love, they target this woman who has taught hundreds and continues to nurture life.”

This oppressive act follows a similar episode just two months prior. On February 22, the Cuban regime confiscated eight animals from the Ruiz Urquiola farm, citing alleged damage to crops. The family condemned the arbitrary nature of the action, viewing it as political retribution utilizing state institutions.

In November 2024, Isabel was also publicly reported as a victim of institutional harassment, including surveillance, asset confiscation, and destruction of agricultural infrastructure. “Isabel’s farm has been under attack for years. It’s more than just land or livestock: it’s her livelihood, dignity, and legacy as a mother and educator,” family and friends remarked.

Despite possessing legal documents affirming their usufruct rights over the land they’ve cultivated for years, the regime claims the property lies within the Viñales National Park, using this rationale to justify ongoing harassment.

However, activists and human rights advocates argue that these actions are part of a deliberate strategy to economically suffocate dissidents, employing state and civilian operatives to carry out their orders.