The Cuban activist Amelia Calzadilla responded this Wednesday to the attacks from the official program Con Filo, after the state television show dedicated a segment to questioning her call for a humanitarian intervention in Cuba in light of the severe epidemiological crisis the country is facing.
“This is already another level of defamation and discredit. I have moved from the communist mainstream media to national television to be called a mercenary and opportunist,” Calzadilla wrote on her Facebook account. “If someone saw me last night, because even with electricity people don’t watch you, the only thing they thought was thank you to this girl for asking for what we need. So thank you very much, Con Filo, for increasing the reach of the message,” she added.
The program, aired this November 12 under the title “Cyclones, Abandoned Dogs, and Spies”, dedicated a segment to the activist, accusing those who seek international aid of “legitimizing projects that undermine national sovereignty” and of “depicting the State as incompetent.” The presenter asserted that “in the midst of a crisis, there will always be voices calling for foreign intervention” and that these voices “camouflage themselves as humanitarian claims,” but what they do “is legitimize projects that undermine our sovereignty as a nation and as a people,” in defense of Miguel Díaz-Canel's government.
The statements from the program come amid a worsening of the health crisis in Cuba, with hospitals overwhelmed and active outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche virus in several provinces. In recent days, the regime acknowledged the spread of arbovirosis and the lack of resources to control the infections, although they responded with slogans and without offering concrete solutions.
Before that official recognition, Amelia Calzadilla had warned that the country is experiencing a public health situation that is out of control, denouncing the lack of transparency and the neglect of the healthcare system. In her message, she called for international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Red Cross to intervene humanitarianly to stop the crisis.
“I am not talking about a military intervention; I am saying that I demand a humanitarian intervention. Cuba needs doctors to come, even from international organizations, because this problem is no longer just Cuba's, but a matter of security for other nations,” stated the activist, who is in exile in Spain.
While the government attempts to control the narrative with propaganda and official silence, Calzadilla maintains his critical stance and commitment to raising awareness about the situation of the Cuban people. "The vast majority of Cubans know that my words aim to defend their interests and rights," he emphasized.
Her post on Facebook received an avalanche of supportive comments, in which many Cubans both inside and outside the island celebrated her bravery and denounced the discrediting of the official program.
“Rejoice every time you appear on Cuban television; this way, those who don’t know you will seek you out; it’s free advertising, they’re fools,” said Iliana Sánchez. Other internet users agreed that being mentioned on Con Filo demonstrates the reach of her voice and the discomfort it causes within the regime.
"It is a sign that you are doing well," wrote one user. "I admire you for how well you express yourself and because everyone understands your message," another person added, while others pointed out that the program "only confirms what everyone knows: that Amelia speaks the truth, and that hurts them."
Several comments highlighted that his appearance on state television gives him more visibility among Cubans still living on the island. “Now even those who don't have internet or social media will know you, thanks to them,” wrote a follower.
Among the messages, words of encouragement and support for your activism are repeated: "Your people support you. They didn't let you defend us from within, but now your accusations are hurting them," said a woman from Cuba. "Keep going, what you do is necessary," another user pointed out.
The reactions show widespread support for the activist, who is regarded by many as one of the clearest and most persistent voices in denouncing the repression and the deterioration of living conditions on the island.
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