The renowned Cuban opposition leader, Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello, arrived in Miami, United States, this Tuesday with the aim of undergoing specialized medical treatment after experiencing a serious health condition in recent weeks.
Roque Cabello thus reunites with his family in U.S. territory, whom he hasn't seen in a decade.
Her departure from Cuba occurs after the regime lifted the travel ban that had been imposed on her since 2018.
According to sources close to the opposition, she traveled in a delicate state of health, showing swelling in her legs up until a few hours before her departure.
Upon her arrival at Miami International Airport, Martha Beatriz Roque said—weakly—that she left almost everything behind because the journey was very quick.
"They should wait for freedom, it will arrive soon", he responded to Radio Televisión Martí when asked for a message for the people of Cuba.
Martha Beatriz Roque's arrival in the United States was made possible due to international pressure and diplomatic efforts that allowed her to receive an official travel document.
The United States government granted him a humanitarian visa so he could continue his medical treatment in the North American country.
Reactions and support for the opposition leader
The Legal Rescue Foundation issued a statement thanking everyone for their interest and concern for Roque Cabello's health, noting that any information regarding his condition will be provided exclusively by the medical team attending to him.
They also requested respect for their privacy, as well as prayers and good wishes for a swift recovery.
The opposition figure and former political prisoner, Ángel Moya, emphasized that his health is still "a matter of concern."
The news of his transfer to Miami has generated support from activists and international organizations advocating for human rights.
Hospitalization and deterioration of health
Roque Cabello, 79 years old, had been admitted since the end of January to various medical institutions in Havana due to complications arising from his decompensated diabetes mellitus and renal insufficiency.
During her hospitalization, she was initially treated at the Miguel Enríquez Hospital, then in the nephrology ward of the Manuel Fajardo Hospital, and finally, at the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital, where she was discharged on February 14.
His health status was considered "serious with reserved prognosis", then evolving to "serious but stable," and later changing to "critical with favorable prognosis."
In addition to renal insufficiency, he/she developed a urinary infection and bronchopneumonia, from which he/she was able to recover.
During her hospitalization, the constant presence of State Security agents in the hospital where she was staying was reported, highlighting the harassment she has faced throughout her career as an opposition member.
A path of struggle and persecution
Martha Beatriz Roque Cabello is one of the most emblematic figures of the Cuban opposition.
An economist by profession, he has dedicated the last four decades to defending human rights in Cuba, facing constant persecution from the regime.
She was the only woman imprisoned during the Black Spring of 2003, in which 75 opponents were arrested on charges of conspiracy with the United States government.
Condemned to 20 years in prison, she was released in 2004 on a medical parole, although she was never exonerated of the charges.
Before this episode, in 1997, he co-founded the Internal Dissidence Working Group with other dissidents and signed the manifesto "The Homeland Belongs to Everyone," a document that called for economic and political openness on the island.
As a result, she was sentenced to three and a half years in prison on charges of "sedition" and "assault" against state security.
Since her release in 2004, she joined the Ladies in White movement and led the Cuban Network of Community Communicators.
In 2005, he organized a national meeting to strengthen civil society, with the participation of delegates from across the island and foreign guests. Furthermore, in recent years, he has led the Cuban Center for Human Rights, maintaining a record of political prisoners in Cuba.
International recognitions
Her tireless work has been recognized internationally. In March 2024, the U.S. Department of State awarded her the International Women of Courage Award, an honor that has been given to over 190 women around the world since 2007.
However, he was unable to attend the award ceremony due to his status as "regulated," a category imposed by the Cuban regime to prevent activists and opponents from leaving the country.
In 2007, she was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in support of democracy in Cuba. Her legacy of resistance and commitment to the cause of human rights has left a deep mark on the history of Cuban dissent.
Frequently Asked Questions about Martha Beatriz Roque and Her Current Situation
Who is Martha Beatriz Roque?
Martha Beatriz Roque is a renowned Cuban opposition leader and economist who has dedicated decades to the defense of human rights in Cuba. She was the only woman imprisoned during the Black Spring of 2003 and has faced constant persecution from the Cuban regime.
Why did Martha Beatriz Roque travel to Miami?
Martha Beatriz Roque traveled to Miami to undergo specialized medical treatment due to her delicate health condition. She is experiencing complications resulting from her uncontrolled diabetes and renal failure, along with a recent bronchopneumonia.
How did Martha Beatriz Roque manage to leave Cuba?
Thanks to international pressure and diplomatic efforts, the Cuban regime lifted the travel ban that had been imposed on Martha Beatriz Roque since 2018, allowing her to receive an official travel document and a humanitarian visa from the United States.
What is the current health status of Martha Beatriz Roque?
Martha Beatriz Roque arrived in Miami in a serious but stable health condition. She suffers from complications related to her diabetes and renal insufficiency and has been hospitalized several times in Cuba before her transfer to the United States.
What message did Martha Beatriz Roque send to the people of Cuba?
Upon her arrival in Miami, Martha Beatriz Roque sent a message of hope to the Cuban people, stating that "freedom will come soon". This message reflects her unwavering commitment to the fight for human rights and freedom in Cuba.
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