Animalista revives moments of repression at the University of Havana and sends a message to current students

In the midst of the wave of student protests currently shaking several university faculties against ETECSA's fees, animal rights advocate Beatriz Batista recalled the repression she experienced at the University of Havana when she was just 21 years old and in her fourth year at the Faculty of Communication (FCOM).

Through a revealing testimony, Batista expressed solidarity with the university students and delivered a direct message to the new generation: "Do not be afraid. This struggle is for dignity, for the right to dissent. It is for freedom."

indoctrination from the classrooms

The young woman recounts that her peaceful activism began in 2019, with a single demand: an Animal Protection Law.

Without having uttered a single word against the regime, she was targeted by the academic authorities and monitored by State Security. The first interrogation took place within the very faculty, in the presence of the dean and a journalism professor.

Since then, her name was marked as "a student with ideological problems," and her friends were pressured to distance themselves from her.

"My advertising professor even warned my best friend to stay away from me if she wanted to avoid problems with her Spanish citizenship. An emotional blackmail, crude and petty," she denounced on .

A thesis under political punishment

Despite attempts to sabotage her career, Beatriz managed to graduate. She recounts that her tutor, although supportive, faced pressure for her thesis to be graded with a 4 as a political punishment.

"But it didn't go well for them. I graduated with a 5. And not only that: months later, they wanted to present my thesis at an academic event because it was 'innovative.' Such cynicism," he expressed.

Among the figures he mentioned as responsible for his repression are Dean Raúl Garcés, Journalism professor Armando Franco, and Advertising professor Raydel Gracia, who now resides in Miami.

Regarding her tutor, she preferred not to disclose the name, although she indicated that it was the person who informed her that her grade should be lowered for "political reasons."

"Everything is rotten. Everything is agreed upon."

In a message filled with bitterness and clarity, the young woman points directly to the level of indoctrination that prevails at the Faculty of Communication.

"I saw Díaz-Canel parade through his hallways, holding hands with the dean. I witnessed how his successor was recently praised in the 'president’s' official profile. Everything is rotten. Everything is arranged," he emphasized.

He expressed regret that the Faculty of Communication (FCOM) has not yet joined the university strike, as other faculties such as Mathematics, Biology, and Humanities have.

Batista's statement was made prior to the declaration from the FCOM that it will not accept the 6 GB package offered by ETECSA to university students until "more effective solutions that consider the entire population are presented."

Solidarity with the students: "Do not let yourselves be broken."

The activist made a direct appeal to the new generations: "Stay strong, steadfast, and united. Don't let yourselves be broken. Let the teachers join in, let them stop looking the other way."

He reiterated that the current struggle is not limited to access to the Internet or a specific complaint against ETECSA: "This fight is for dignity. It is for the right to dissent. It is for the future. It is for freedom."

A story marked by repression and exile

Batista has been a victim of multiple forms of harassment due to his activism. On February 19, 2021, he staged a protest along with other animal rights activists in front of the Ministry of Agriculture to demand the approval of a decree on Animal Welfare.

During those days, he reported receiving threats from alleged cockfighters and a smear campaign driven by fake profiles associated with State Security.

She was also one of the young people who went out to protest on July 11, 2021, and witnessed the direct repression against demonstrators. "I saw how the government wanted to kill people. No one told me. I saw it with my own eyes."

Shortly after, Batista left the country for Spain to pursue some studies.

After several months, she decided to buy a ticket to Mexico and in January 2022 crossed the Rio Bravo to seek asylum in the United States. She was detained for 50 days in an immigration center, but she reported being treated with respect and humanity.

Today, she resides in that country, where she continues her work as an advocate for animal rights and human rights.

A testimony that defies silence

The words of Beatriz Batista resonate strongly during an unprecedented moment of tension in Cuban universities.

His story confirms what many young people are beginning to realize: repression does not begin in the streets, but in the hallways of educational institutions.

And their message, far from being one of resignation, is a cry of hope for those who dare to raise their voices today: "One does not start out radicalized. The system pushes you."

Frequently Asked Questions about Repression at the University of Havana and Student Protests in Cuba