Father Kenny to Carolina Barrero: United from a distance for a New Cuba

The Cuban priestKenny Fernandez Delgado This Saturday he sent a message of solidarity and hope to the activistCarolina Barrero, forced into exile by the repressors of the totalitarian regime, wishing the art historian her soon return to a “New Cuba.”

“My prayer is that sooner rather than later you can return to your beloved Cuba but: without blackmail; no political prisoners; and without unfair and arbitrary trials,” listed the priest, known for his pronouncements in favor of respect for human rights and the freedom of the Cuban people.

Belonging to the Archdiocese of Havana, Father Kenny develops a pastoral mission of accompaniment to the families of those imprisoned for participating inthe historic 11J protests in Cuba.

In statements toCyberCuba, the religious said that when visiting the relatives of the inmates he finds that they are "very grateful that someone is interested in the case of their children, which, unfortunately, not everyone does."

"Giving them a drop of comfort is very important and very gratifying for me. It gives me the impression that I am doing something good for my own mother," stressed the parish priest of the Madruga church, in Mayabeque, during a recent program ofThe mornings of CiberCuba

For the priest, this “New Cuba” that is built from the opposition to totalitarian power and the activism of civil society, will be a country “with Freedom of Expression; with the respect that everyone deserves; and surrounded by the affection and love of everyone.”

Precisely, the activistCarolina Barrero was forced into exile after participating in a solidarity demonstration with the families of the 11J detainees who were being tried in the Diez de Octubre Municipal Court.

Activists and family members were violently detained and threatened. Barrero, a thorn in the throat of the regime, was blackmailed with the freedom and safety of the other protesters to force her to march to Spain.

“United from a distance for a New Cuba. See you Carolina,” Father Kenny told her in his message, published on his social networks.

Fernández Delgado defended the right of Cubans to march peacefully during the days prior to the call forCivic March for Change of 15N. He himself came out in person on the appointed day to place a flower on a bust of José Martí in Aguacate, as a sign of invitation to dialogue, concord andfor the release of political prisoners and protesters of 11J.

Thinking about the latter, the priest has tried to provide them with religious assistance, but the State has not given him authorization. "I have not been able to see the prisoners because they do not give me permission to visit the prisons," he lamented in an interview with this medium.

Despite not having been able to visit the prisoners, Father Kenny takes solace in the accompaniment that he has been able to give to parents, partners and siblings of the detainees, as well as the support to Cuban civil society in general.

Visited the child's familyJonathan Torres Farrat, prisoner of 11J; accompanied the family ofLuis Robles during the trial held for him for displaying a banner against repression in Cuba, and expressed solidarity with the leader of theSan Isidro Movement, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara,currently on hunger strike in the Guanajay maximum security prison.